Vomiting bug still at hospital

THE situation regarding the winter vomiting bug outbreak at Mercy University Hospital in Cork remains unchanged and revised visiting arrangements, introduced last Friday are continuing.

A spokesperson confirmed yesterday that 12 patients were infected by the bug.

All visitors must wear surgical masks at all times while they are in the hospital.

Children are not allowed to visit patients during the outbreak.

Critically ill patients in the Mercy may receive visits at any time, but from one visitor at a time and with the permission of the nurse in charge of the ward.

Patients in the hospital for at least seven days may receive one visitor at a time during normal visiting hours.

Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive (HSE), southern area, has not yet confirmed if an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in Kerry General Hospital is in fact the winter vomiting bug.

Tests have been carried out, but the results will not be known for a couple of days. Eleven children in the hospital are being treated for vomiting and diarrhoea.

Visitors to the children’s ward of hospital are restricted because of the contagious nature of the bug.

An HSE spokesperson said visits were being confined to one adult at a time and people are also advised not to bring children on visits to the hospital.

The spokesperson said there were no confirmed outbreaks of the bug at Cork University Hospital or in hospitals in Mallow, Tralee and Bantry.