Bug forces hospital ward closures

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The worst affected areas are the North West and South West - but no region has escaped the effects of the bug, which causes vomiting and severe diarrhoea.

A survey suggested the virus has cost UK business £80 million in the past two days because of staff illness. The numbers of people reporting sick has increased by nearly 40%, the research by Active Health Partners found.

One hospital trust has suspended routine surgery until the middle of next week, citing norovirus as a factor. Another is interviewing all new patients to prevent the virus spreading. Many are restricting visiting hours, preventing the delivery of flowers and urging sick visitors to stay away until 48 hours after their illness passes.

The record number of cases of the virus is forcing hospitals to introduce tough cleanliness measures. One hospital said it was carrying out a "deep clean" before re-opening wards and another reminded visitors to wash their hands as the alcohol gel provided would not stop the virus.

Doctors predict 200,000 patients contracted the virus between Christmas and the New Year.

Norovirus frequently causes outbreaks in places where people congregate, such as schools and cruise ships. Many cases also occur in hospitals and may cost the NHS more than £100 million a year during epidemics.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported in December that the 2007 norovirus season had started "uncharacteristically early", with a greater number of cases nationally from the first week of November.

Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales. The virus is easily transmitted by contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

According to the HPA, symptoms will begin about 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected and will usually last 12 to 60 hours. Most people make a full recovery within one or two days, however some (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.