Symptoms of bug spreading 'like wildfire' as hospital forced to close wards People have been urged to look out for some of the telltale signs of a nasty winter bug currently spreading “like wildfire” that has caused one hospital to close wards.
Professor Arlene Wellman, group chief nurse for St George’s Hospital, warned: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker.” The virus is highly transmissible.
“Hand sanitisers such as alcohol gel do not kill the bug – the simple act of good hand washing with soap and water can make all the difference between our beds being used to care for patients, or lying empty at a time when every bed is precious.”.
The NHS has reported extremely high numbers of patients in hospital with norovirus, adding extra strain to services.
Three wards at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, have been closed due to an outbreak of the dreaded vomiting bug.
