STRICT visiting restrictions have been put in place at University Hospital Limerick following an outbreak of the norovirus (winter vomiting bug).

As of 12 noon on Monday, November 27th, there were three confirmed positive cases of norovirus at UHL with a number of other patients symptomatic.

A spokesperson for UHL said that as norovirus can be carried in to the hospital by patients or visitors, it is necessary with immediate effect to ban all visitors to Wards 3A and 1A at UHL.

“We regret any inconvenience caused to patients and relatives by these necessary measures, which are being taken in the interests of patient care,” the spokesperson added.

Elsewhere in the hospital, it is necessary to restrict visitors to one person per patient only and to remind members of the public that visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm only and are to be strictly adhered to.

Members of the public are reminded not to bring children on visits anywhere in the hospital.

Parents visiting children are unaffected by the restrictions but are advised not to bring siblings.

“All infection control measures are in place and every effort is being made to manage and contain the spread of the virus.

“Patients are being isolated as appropriate and a number of beds have been closed to admissions in accordance with IP&C protocols.

“This is expected to impact on bed capacity over the coming days as the situation is managed,” the spokesperson added.

People with symptoms including abdominal pain and nausea; followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting are advised to contact their GP by phone in the first instance and avoid presenting at the Emergency Department at UHL.