Think twice about visits to stop winter vomiting bug spread at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier Hospitals

To keep it that way the hospitals are urgently appealing for people to think twice about coming in if they develop symptoms of the highly contagious illness.

The number of patients with the bug norovirus is 83 per cent up compared to the same period in 2011, according to Health Protection Agency figures.

Dr John Clark, lead doctor for infection prevention and control at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The number of confirmed norovirus cases does fluctuate from year to year, but this significant rise is worrying for us.

"Whilst we haven’t seen an increased number of cases of norovirus at our hospitals, we have to do all that we can to protect our patients and their loved ones from this unpleasant illness.

"That’s why we’re asking local people to only come into hospital if they need to. Whilst we understand that people will want to visit their loved ones and relatives, we have to put these controls in place to help stop the spread of norovirus."

Health Protection Agency figures show there have been 3,046 confirmed cases of norovirus in England and Wales so far this winter, compared with 1,669 cases in 2011.

There were 61 outbreaks in hospitals in England over the fortnight to December 16.

To help prevent the spread of norovirus avoid coming into hospital if you have symptoms, which usually start with a sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Some patients also have a mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps or aching limbs.

Also think twice before visiting hospital patients and avoid bringing in children.

To protect yourself against norovirus wash your hands thoroughly and regularly especially after using the toilet and before eating.

If still feeling ill after one or three days, contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/norovirus.