Visiting has been restricted in most wards in Kerry General Hospital to help curb the spread of norovirus or the so-called winter vomiting bug.
The bug has been in the community for weeks and some patients at the Tralee hospital are now affected.
The ban, with immediate effect, relates to non-family members in the most sensitive wards, and all other visitors are asked to adhere to visiting times .
“Two visitors are allowed per patient with strictly no children allowed to visit.
“Visitors are asked to please respect these restricted visiting times and the security staff at the hospital who are ensuring the restrictions are adhered to,” a hospital spokesman said.
The hospital’s general manager, TJ O’Connor, appealed to people not to visit it or any healthcare facility if they have been affected by vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone with these symptoms until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours.
“The bug is currently prevalent in the community, and visitors may unknowingly bring the bug into the hospital when visiting sick relatives or friends.
“Patient care is our priority and we would urge the public to help hospital staff keep the virus at bay as it can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital,” said the general manager.