Seven Wards Remain Closed Following Outbreak of Norovirus at Wrexham Maelor

A number of wards at the Wrexham Maelor are not admitting new patients following an outbreak of norovirus earlier this week.

Earlier this week Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board advised those visiting the Wrexham Maelor and Chirk Hospitals to take extra precautions following an outbreak of norovirus across several wards.

Norovirus is a highly common stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea for those who have contracted it. The bug is contracted by being in close contact with someone who has Norovirus, eating contaminated food or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

There is no cure for the bug and symptoms usually last a couple of days. It is believed a person carrying the illness may be infectious to others during the first 12-48 hours.

Seven wards at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital and one at Chirk Community Hospital are not admitting new patients.

However there has been a reduction in the number of patients displaying symptoms of the illness, with 30 patients who have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting earlier this week. 20 patients are now displaying symptoms.

One ward at Wrexham Maelor is due to re-open today, and the ward Chirk Community Hospital is due to open tomorrow. This is subject to the completion of deep cleaning and no further patients presenting with symptoms.

A spokesman for BCUHB said: “We would like to thank members of the public for following our advice to help prevent the spread of the infection, and we urge people to continue to be careful. In particular please do not come to hospital if you have suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours.”

No details of which wards have been affected at either the Wrexham Maelor Hospital or Chirk Hospital have been provided.