HOSPITALS are bracing themselves for another battle against the highly-infectious Norwalk virus.

Minor outbreaks of the gastroenteritis bug have recently forced the temporary closure of two wards at both Bournemouth and Poole. But bosses are looking anxiously at Bristol, where 10 wards had to be shut, and at Salisbury and Southampton, which have both experienced large-scale problems.

In a bid to prevent a widespread outbreak like the one that paralysed Bourne-mouth Hospital in 2002, they are urging patients and visitors to help them stave off the bug.

People who have suffered from nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea are being urged not to visit hospital for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. Those that do attend are asked to clean their hands with the special gel provided.

Dr Sue Bennett, director of Dorset and Somerset Health Protection Unit, said: "The virus is right across the country at the moment. In the middle of November we had a big community outbreak in Poole."

In a three-month spell during the winter of 2002, more than 500 patients and at least 224 medical staff fell victim to the virus at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. A total of 19 wards were infected and 31 forced to close.

Gwen Walker, senior infection control nurse at Poole Hospital, said: "We've been fortunate to have only had two wards affected but we're not being com-placent. It's the season for this virus and we have to be vigilant."

A spokesperson for the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Trust said: "The winter vomiting illness is circulating again.

"In order to minimise spread infected patients are nursed together and we restrict admission to their wards while they recover."

There are no current restrictions to attending outpatient clinics or day surgeries but patients must tell staff if they have symptoms.

First published: December 22