Over one hundred people at Beaumont Hospital are now displaying symptoms of the infectious Winter Vomiting Bug. Some 110 beds are now closed and 101 patients and staff are displaying symptoms of the bug.
The latest figures include some fifty members of hospital staff who have displayed symptoms since the outbreak began last week.
A small number of patients have been transferred to other hospitals in Dublin but the emphasis within the hospital is of isolating those suspected of having contracted the virus.
Earlier, the Mater Hospital announced the cancellation of non-elective surgery following an Eastern Regional Health Authority request for them to cancel booking admissions to alleviate the pressure on Beaumont which last week canceled all non-emergency admissions.
Beaumont hospital repeated its warning today for the public to stay away unless absolutely necessary and children are not being admitted to the hospital under any circumstances.
Symptoms of the virus are comparable to food poisoning and include vomiting and dehydration.
Onset of the illness can come as quickly as six hours. The condition rarely proves fatal and sufferers usually recover within 48 hours once they receive prompt medical attention.
