Colchester General Hospital has had to close a ward after being hit by a virus.
Peldon ward is still closed to admissions following an outbreak of the diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V) bug over Christmas.
The outbreak affected 18 patients and the source of the infection was people coming into the hospital from outside some as patients and others as visitors.
Patients who have the bug and need to be admitted to the hospital are now being placed in isolation.
"If you are feeling unwell or have been in contact with someone who is unwell, please don't come visiting," said infection control nurse Caroline Virgo.
"D&V is highly contagious and we don't want it spreading across the hospital."
She also asked all visitors to follow simple, but effective, hygiene procedures at the hospital.
People are being asked on arrival to wash their hands in alcohol-based hand rubs, which are at the entrance to every ward.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Thursday, December 30, 2004
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