A ward remains closed at the William Harvey Hospital as the number of patients with the norovirus rises.

Eleven patients are currently affected by the virus, commonly known as the winter vomiting disease.

The break-out at the Ashford hospital was first reported on Wednesday, February 17, when five patients were reported to have it.

The ward has been closed since then in a bid to stop the disease, which also causes diarrhoea, spreading.

Now, East Kent Hospitals Trust, which runs the Ashford hospital, is asking others to stay away if they are feeling unwell.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that a ward is closed to new admissions at the William Harvey Hospital due to norovirus.

"There are currently 11 patients affected.

“As soon as the first symptomatic patients were suspected of having Norovirus, the Trust set in place established and rigorous infection control procedures to contain the virus and prevent it spreading.

“The ward is being monitored and reviewed regularly and will remain closed to admissions until the Infection Prevention and Control Team advises that it can be reopened.

“Norovirus is circulating in the community at the moment.

“We would ask any visitors who have been unwell or have had contact with someone with diarrhoea and vomiting to not visit the hospital until they have been symptom free for 72 hours.”

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the UK. It can affect people of any age and is more prevalent in the winter.

It is highly contagious and can be contracted through contact with people who have it, touching unwashed objects or through raw or under cooked foods.