An outbreak of Norovirus in Kingston Hospital has completely closed one ward to admissions.

The vomiting bug struck Hamble Ward, which looks after respiratory illness patients, late last week.

Norovirus causes projectile vomiting, watery diarrhoea, a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.

In most people it will clear up in a few days with no lasting harmful effects.

But the virus can be far more damaging to older people and children.

It is spread by human-to-human contact, which is why the ward has been closed to new admissions and children have also been banned.

A Kingston Hospital spokeswoman said: “We have confirmed Norovirus on Hamble Ward and the ward is closed to admissions.

“Stricter infection control measures are in place e.g. enhanced hand hygiene procedures, wearing gloves and aprons as well as additional cleaning.

“We are restricting staff and patient movement amongst wards and visiting to the ward. As a precaution we are not allowing children onto the ward.

“Anyone who has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not visit the Hospital until they have not had any symptoms for 48 hours.”