A ban on visitors to Cork University Hospital (CUH) is in place this bank holiday weekend due to a major increase in the number of cases of the winter vomiting bug.
The virus, which is at large in the community, is highly contagious. Restrictions are considered necessary to stop its further spread in the hospital.
The hospital network manager with the Health Service Executive (HSE) South, Gerry O'Dwyer, said visitor restrictions were being put in place in an attempt to contain outbreaks. Exceptions will be made for family members of critically ill patients.
"Any person with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, or anyone who has had contact with persons with those symptoms should not visit any hospital or healthcare facility until they have been symptom-free for 72 hours," he said. "We would appeal to the public to bear this in mind when visiting a sick relative or friend.
"Patient care is our priority and this virus can further debilitate those who are already sick in hospital."
The bug usually causes brief episodes of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It is usually quite mild and rarely causes severe problems. However, it may be quite unpleasant and debilitating in children or older people who are already sick.
Those affected should drink plenty of fluids, maintain strict hygiene, and, because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, avoid visiting hospitals or nursing homes.