CUH experiencing major norovirus outbreak

On Tuesday Cork University Hospital (CUH) raised its visitor restrictions to the highest level due to what the hospital calls “an unprecedented surge of norovirus (winter vomiting bug) across the hospital”.

Norovirus causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily. Restrictions have been in place at the hospital since Wednesday 4 March.

Members of the public have been asked not to attend the hospital campus to visit friends or relatives, except where this has been agreed in advance on compassionate grounds with the clinical team. Anyone experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea should not attend the hospital unless they require urgent medical care.

Commenting on the implementation of restrictions, CUH CEO Jennifer Kearney said: “Outbreaks are currently affecting multiple wards, and several strains of the virus are circulating. In the interests of protecting vulnerable patients and your own health, unapproved visiting to the hospital is not permitted at this time.”

“The public should be aware that all entrances to the hospital have been secured and entrance to the hospital is being carefully managed,” she added.

Consultant Microbiologist at CUH, Aaron Doherty said: “Norovirus spreads very easily in healthcare settings, and even brief visits can result in infection and further spread to patients, staff, and families at home. Patients who require urgent care and cannot access treatment through their GP or an urgent care clinic should not delay seeking care and should attend the emergency department as normal.”

Jennifer Kearney added: “The hospital thanks the public for their cooperation as staff work to protect patients and bring the outbreak under control.”

On 18 February, the Health Protections Surveillance Centre (HPSC) warned that norovirus is currently circulating at high levels in the community.