´óÏó´«Ã½

A fifth ward at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital has been affected by suspected cases of norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.

Bosses at NHS Tayside said the ward had been closed to new admissions because several patients were suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.

Three other wards remain shut. A fourth ward which closed on Tuesday has now been reopened.

The health board has stressed the importance of good hand hygiene.

It said all appropriate infection control measures had been put in place.

Dr Gabby Phillips, from NHS Tayside, said: "As is the case in the community, our hospitals also see an increase in the number of people with winter vomiting virus over the winter months.

"We are now seeing that seasonal increase in people suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea at Ninewells and it looks likely to last several days.

"That is why we're asking all visitors to think carefully about visiting their relatives and friends while this virus is circulating. You can really help us and our patients by not visiting if you, yourself, are feeling unwell and have vomiting and diarrhoea."

She added: "If you are visiting relatives or friends in the identified wards, please make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before going into the ward area and again when you leave."