Norovirus has broken out at Walsall Manor Hospital, forcing the closure of a ward.

There has been one confirmed case of the winter vomiting bug and another nine patients showing symptoms of the illness at the town’s hospital, it has emerged today.

The affected area, ward 16, has been temporarily closed for patient admissions, transfers and friends and relatives.

Health bosses say the aim is to contain the virus to ward 16 and is urging visitors to patients on the ward to stay at home and help prevent further cases.

Amir Khan, medical director and director of infection control and prevention at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust said: ‘Norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea and is very easily spread from person to person.

“The spread of infection is easiest in places where groups of people are together for a reasonable amount of time, such as hospitals. The virus lasts around two days and the only treatment required is plenty of fluid.

“However, even after the symptoms have cleared up people may still carry the virus and infect others up to three days after their own symptoms have stopped.”