A SIXTH ward has now been closed at Southampton General Hospital as a highly infectious vomiting and diarrhoea bug that broke out more than a week ago continues to spread.
Dozens more patients and staff have been struck down by the norovirus and the number of wards closed to new admissions has increased from four to six.
The affected wards include elderly care wards and one trauma and orthopaedics ward, with most of the beds on G level.
A total of 44 patients and 26 staff currently have symptoms - more than double the number of people affected nine days ago.
Throughout the outbreak the hospital has insisted that the situation is being monitored closely by the infection control team, which is working with ward staff to try to contain the sickness.
Health bosses have renewed their call for people not to visit the site if they have suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting during the previous 72 hours.
They are also warning older people and youngsters not to visit the hospital until the virus has been completely cleared up.
Hospital visitors are being reminded to wash their hands or use the alcohol gel provided whenever they arrive or leave wards and departments at the hospital.
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