A ban has been issued on children under the age of 11 entering Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital "unless absolutely necessary" following a norovirus outbreak.
The hospital, which has been on red alert for the past week, have imposed restrictions on two wards, Eliot and Fielding, after the outbreak hit the hospital which is located on Parkfield Drive.
It has been established that only close family and friends will be permitted access to the aforementioned wards on the proviso they avail of the alcohol gel upon arrival.
Commenting on the outbreak and its implications, a spokesman for the hospital said: "The care of our patients is always at the heart of any decisions we make, and we ask for your patience and support at this time, to help us reduce the spread of infection."
The norovirus infection is characterised by nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, loss of taste. General lethargy, weakness, muscle aches, headaches, and low-grade fevers may also occur in some cases.
Musgrove Park Hospital is a large NHS hospital which is run by Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
