Ireland - Norovirus cases 2013

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irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Friday, January 4, 2013, 16:05

Visitor ban at Limerick, Sligo hospitals

IRISH TIMES REPORTERS

Visitors have been asked not to attend Sligo Regional Hospital because of an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug (norovirus) there.

This follows a similar appeal at the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick .

A Health Service Executive spokeswoman said the situation at the Sligo hospital reflected the increased incidence of vomiting and diarrhoea in the wider community. To help curtail the spread of the virus, the hospital appealed to the public to visit ?only in essential or exceptional circumstances? and said only immediate relatives should visit, and only during the designated visiting times. Children are not permitted to visit.

The visiting restrictions are to remain in place ?until the situation has been resolved? .

A blanket ban on visitors was earlier introduced in Limerick, at one of the State?s busiest hospitals, in an effort to contain the spread of the winter vomiting bug. Six cases of norovirus were confirmed at the Mid Western Regional Hospital yesterday, where a full visiting ban is in effect until further notice.

More...
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2013/0104/breaking4.html

 

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Re: Ireland - Norovirus cases 2013

Limerick gripped by vomiting bug as hospital visit ban remains in force

Published on Monday 7 January 2013 07:00

A LIMERICK pharmacist has reported a marked increase in cases of the winter vomiting bug in the community.

A blanket ban on visitors to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital remains in effect after the HSE confirmed an outbreak - with six cases of norovirus confirmed.

And John Gleeson, Woodview Pharmacy, has advised that anybody who suspects they have the violent stomach condition to contact their pharmacist for advice, preferably over the phone.
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?We have certainly seen an increase in community pharmacy in the winter vomiting bug. You always have upset stomachs throughout the year but what we are seeing now is certainly more prevalent and more severe and very different from the standard upset stomach,? said Mr Gleeson, who is treasurer of the Irish Pharmacy Union.

?We are emphasising the importance of trying to isolate the bug and minimising contact with people. People can always ring their local pharmacist who will be more than happy to give advice on symptomatic relief if not for the bug itself. The most important part of the therapy remains plenty of rehydration and rest,? he said.
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Full text:
http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/l...hospital-visit-ban-remains-in-force-1-4646401

 

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Re: Ireland - Norovirus cases 2013

Visitor restrictions at Sligo Hospital

Published on Wednesday 6 March 2013 11:50

Sligo General Hospital is requesting that visitors do not to attend at the hospital due to the presence of Norovirus (winter vomiting bug) in a number of wards in the hospital. Presently there is an increased incidence of vomiting and diarrhoea illness in the community and hospital settings.

GPs are requested to only refer patients to the Acute Assessment Unit or the Emergency Department who are in need of immediate assessment/admission. As a precautionary measure the hospital has put control measures in place to reduce the risk of Norovirus spreading to other patients and to other areas/departments within the Hospital.

More...
http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/local/visitor-restrictions-at-sligo-hospital-1-4853822

 

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Re: Ireland - Norovirus cases 2013

Fresh fruit and veg helping to spread winter vomiting bug

Breda Heffernan and Eoghan MacConnell? 13 March 2013
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Researchers in the Netherlands found water infected with norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, is being used to dilute fertilisers which are then sprayed on fruit and vegetables.

The study found that lettuce and soft berries such as raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are particularly susceptible as they are usually eaten raw.
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There were 487 confirmed cases of the winter vomiting bug in Ireland in the first eight weeks of the year, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said. This was up by almost a third from the same period last year.

The Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore, Co Offaly, is asking people to avoid non-essential visits to the hospital where a small number of cases of winter vomiting bug have been confirmed.
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Full text:
http://www.independent.ie/irish-new...g-to-spread-winter-vomiting-bug-29126533.html

 

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Re: Ireland - Norovirus cases 2013

Beaumont Hospital access restricted due to vomiting bug

Visitors will only be allowed in ?exceptional circumstances? after Norovirus outbreak

Fri, Nov 15, 2013, 13:58

Visitors will only be permitted into Dublin?s Beaumont Hospital this weekend in ?exceptional circumstances? as the hospital attempts to battle an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

The measure will also apply to those seeking to visit St Joseph?s Hospital in Raheny.

A similar strategy was implemented at both hospitals last weekend as officials sought to contain an outbreak of the bug in the community.
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http://www.irishtimes.com/news/heal...cess-restricted-due-to-vomiting-bug-1.1596216