A suspected outbreak of the highly infectious Norovirus winter vomiting bug has swept through West Middlesex Hospital this month despite strict hygiene measures put in place to stop it.

The Norovirus infection, which causes projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, has spread through hospitals and care homes across the country over recent winters causing widespread disruption and ward closures.

Last year the Isleworth hospital managed to avoid any major outbreaks of the bug, but on January 12 this year a number of patients with diarrhoea and vomiting were identified on several wards.

Consultant microbiologist Stella Barnass said: "The trust put into immediate affect a plan to limit the spread of infection. Standard infection control precautions have been reinforced for staff on the ward, and provided to patients and visitors to the ward. 

"This includes strict hand washing, the use of gloves and aprons while attending patients, thorough daily cleaning and deep cleaning of rooms and bed areas between patients."

No wards have so far been closed but all of the 37 patients involved are being treated as though they have Norovirus and have been moved to side rooms.

Eleven staff members at West Mid have also been reported sick during this period, but none have yet been confirmed as having Norovirus infection.

There is no specific treatment for the bug but increased handwashing and isolation of those infected can stop the virus spreading.

Visiting the affected wards is currently being discouraged, and the hospital are asking that any visitors who are ill themselves with diarrhoea or vomiting to not visit, but instead call for assistance from their GP.

Dr Barnass added: "There has been a rise in cases of winter vomiting disease in the community and we are vigilant for further cases within the hospital or admitted from home. We are keeping the situation under constant review.

"Although it is unpleasant, most people recover quickly and the best advice is to rest at home and drink plenty of fluids. Unless the diarrhoea and vomiting are very severe, the hospital advises that you should not visit your GP surgery or hospital A&E unit."