Winter vomiting bug closes two Victoria Hospital wards

Two wards at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy have been closed to new admissions by an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug.

Ward six closed to last Thursday and ward 23 the next day.

A total of 12 patients six in each ward were affected. Some are no longer suffering from the bug’s vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms.

Once NHS Fife is sure there are no further cases, a deep clean will be undertaken in both wards.

Most people recover quickly but it can be more serious for those already ill.

Across Scotland a major source of norovirus in hospitals is visitors who come in despite being unwell and who then transmit infection.

NHS Fife operational division chief executive John Wilson said: ”If you are thinking of visiting someone, please do not come in if you or anyone in the household feels unwell.

”As is usual, next of kin or a family representative can seek up to date information on patients by phoning the ward direct.”