SOME wards at Wrexham Maelor Hospital have been closed due to a rising number of norovirus cases.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is urging the public to prevent the spread of norovirus as cases rise in communities in north east Wales and across the border.

Norovirus usually presents with symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea along with stomach cramps and headaches, but normally resolve within two to three days with rest and rehydration. It is however, highly infectious and can spread easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces. It can readily cause outbreaks in care settings and be more serious for people who are already ill, the very young and the elderly.

BCUHB said it is seeing an increase in cases in particular at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and a small number of wards have been closed to admissions, with restricted visiting in place.

Angela Wood, executive director of nursing and midwifery at BCUHB, said: “We would like to use this opportunity to remind people to ensure they wash their hands regularly with soap and water and always before and after visiting our hospitals and other care settings. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

“Please do not visit friends and relatives in hospital if you are ill, have had diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the previous 48 hours or have been in contact with anyone who has had symptoms within the last 48 hours.

“It’s important we all play a part in reducing the impact of Norovirus for patients, staff and visitors.”