Kentish Express Ashford & District
Hospital’s rapid rise in number of norovirus cases
Eleven patients affected – almost double that of a week ago
The number of patients affected by the norovirus in Ashford’s hospital has almost doubled.
A ward at the William Harvey Hospital remains closed as the number of people infected has risen from six to 11.
When the outbreak was initially reported on Wednesday, February 17, it was confirmed that five patients had contracted the virus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.
By Tuesday, February 23, this had increased to six, and then on Tuesday this week, it had risen again to 11. Now East Kent Hospitals Trust, which runs the hospital, is asking others to stay away if they are feeling unwell.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that a ward is closed to new admissions at the William Harvey Hospital due to norovirus. There are currently 11 patients affected.
“As soon as the first symptomatic patients were suspected of having norovirus, the trust set in place established and rig- orous infection control procedures to contain the virus and prevent it spreading. The ward is being monitored and reviewed regularly and will remain closed to admissions until the infection prevention and control team advises that it can be reopened.
“Norovirus is circulating in the community at the moment.
“We would ask any visitors who have been unwell or have had contact with someone with diarrhoea and vomiting to not visit the hospital until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours.”
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK. It can affect people of any age.
It is highly contagious and can be contracted through contact with people who have it, touching unwashed objects, or through raw or under-cooked foods.