An entire hospital has been closed by a winter vomiting virus.

Clacton Hospital has shut its wards to new admissions following the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Yesterday, Colchester General Hospital bosses implored people not to visit if they were unwell, after having to shut Peldon ward after 18 people fell victim to the same virus over Christmas.

Today, Tendring Primary Care Trust said it was launching an investigation into the outbreak, believed to have been caused by the novovirus, which has hit hospitals nationwide.

The hospital was closed at noon yesterday after a small number of staff and patients were affected by the illness.

The outpatient department at the hospital remains open.

Infection control procedures at the hospital have ben increased and visitors are being asked to try to control their numbers and adhere to the infection control measures, which include washing their hands before and after entering wards.

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Published Friday, December 31, 2004

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