Kilkenny hospital may have 'vomiting bug'

It is believed that the virus that has been spreading throughout hospitals across the country may have reached Kilkenny.

St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny is to undergo tests after ten suspected cases of the so-called ‘vomiting bug’ were identified at the hospital.

All non-essential visits are being curtailed and children are not being allowed into the hospital premises on visits.

Samples have been sent-off for examination and the results are still pending.

The virus has now been identified in hospitals in Limerick, Roscommon, Mayo, Cavan and Westmeath and, although it is not fatal, doctors say that it can cause extreme discomfort.