Sligo University Hospital is currently managing an outbreak of the vomiting bug, norovirus, in two of its wards—Med N and Medical Off Site. Additionally, both wards at Our Lady’s Hospital in Manorhamilton are also affected. As a precaution, visiting these wards is now restricted to compassionate grounds only.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) warns that norovirus spreads rapidly in public spaces such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. To prevent further transmission, people who have recently experienced diarrhoea or vomiting, or have been in contact with someone showing these symptoms, should avoid visiting patients in hospitals.
“These measures are vital to avoid spreading the virus to patients, visitors, and staff,” a spokesperson for the HSE stated.
Health Guidelines to Prevent Norovirus Spread
The HSE advises anyone with symptoms of norovirus to stay away from hospitals until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Key recommendations include:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.
- Avoid using patient toilets in hospital wards; visitor toilets are available on the ground floor.
- Stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve and avoid visiting hospitals.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Wash clothing and bedding separately on a high-temperature setting.
- Do not share towels or personal hygiene items.
- Properly dispose of vomit or diarrhoea in the toilet and clean the surrounding area.
- Avoid eating raw or unwashed food.
Following these precautions can help reduce the spread of norovirus and protect vulnerable patients from infection.
