Cork University Hospital dealing with major norovirus outbreak

James Cox

Cork University Hospital (CUH) is escalating its response to a major norovirus outbreak.

The winter vomiting bug is currently affecting multiple wards, and several strains of the virus are circulating the hospital.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should not attend the hospital unless they require urgent medical care.

Consultant microbiologist at CUH, Dr Aaron Doherty, said unapproved visiting is not permitted at this time.

Dr Doherty told Newstalk: "Unfortunately we're dealing with a norovirus outbreak at the moment, so unless it's on compassionate grounds we're asking people not to visit the hospital.

"Norovirus can cause a very unpleasant illness. It spreads extremely easily, causing sudden vomiting and diarrhoea so if you visit right now there is a real risk you could pick it up yourself and bring it home or pass it on to vulnerable patients."