HEALTH bosses have issued a warning about norovirus with cases usually higher during the spring.

Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are urging people to stop the spread of the bug through good hand hygiene.

Norovirus is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and it can affect anyone of any age, causing vomiting and diarrhoea.

Other symptoms of the highly contagious stomach bug include mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps and aching limbs.

There is no cure for norovirus but it usually clears up by itself within a few days.

The best way to recover is through self-care at home including getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and washing hands regularly with soap and water.

Dr Preeti Shukla, clinical lead at Blackburn with Darwen CCG said: “The symptoms of norovirus can be pretty unpleasant and many people’s first instinct when they’re struck down by the bug is to head straight to their GP.

“With something like a stomach bug, however, looking after yourself at home is often the best option.”

It comes after Ward C9, at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, had to be closed to new admissions after a patient was diagnosed with the norovirus on New Year's Day.