A WARD at a hospital has had to be closed after a patient was struck down by norovirus.

Ward C9, at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, has been closed to new admissions after the patient was diagnosed with the norovirus on New Year's Day.

Norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and is also known as the winter vomiting bug.

The medical ward for older people has been closed to new patients as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure all appropriate infection control measures have been put in place.

The ward is expected to re-open tomorrow (Thursday).

East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group and East Lancashire Hospitals Trust said in a statement: "The Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital currently has one ward (C9) closed to admissions; this is standard procedure and normal practice to prevent norovirus spreading.

"Our infection control team continues to monitor all wards closely and there is increased cleaning taking place to protect our patients and staff.

"Whilst we understand people want to visit friends and family members in hospital at this time of year, if you have been sick or had diarrhoea within the last 48 hours then please do not visit the hospital, except in a genuine emergency. "

Health chiefs are warning people who have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 48 hours to drink plenty of fluids and wash their hands regularly with soap and water.

This is especially the case after going to the toilet and prior to preparing food and eating it.

Norovirus usually clears up by itself in a few days.