PEOPLE in Taunton Deane and West Somerset are being warned to take care as norovirus spreads throughout the country.

The Health Protection Agency has confirmed over one million cases of the vomiting and sickness bug in the UK so far this winter, and the figures have put hospitals and GPs in Somerset on red alert.

Paul Courtney, of NHS Somerset, said: “This is a very common ailment, and though people think it only affects hospitals it’s out there in the community.

“It’s very infectious and can spread very quickly, especially as the weather gets colder and wetter, and people are staying indoors and are in closer proximity to each other.”

Jo Howarth, Senior Infection Control Nurse at NHS Somerset, is urging anyone who has had a bout of gastric illness not to visit local hospitals or nursing homes until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. She said there is no treatment or vaccination for the bug, but if infected most people will get over the illness after a few days’ rest at home and after making sure they drink plenty of water.

She said: “You can reduce your risk of getting the infection or, if infected, reduce the risk of passing it on to others by regular hand washing.

“This is absolutely essential after you’ve been to the toilet or before eating or preparing food for others.”

So far, hospitals in Taunton Deane and West Somerset have not been affected significantly by the outbreak.

Dr Barry Moyse, a GP at St James Medical Centre, said people with diabetes or high blood pressure may have to stop taking medication if they have had vomiting and diarrhoea for over 24 hours.

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said the authority had not been hit by the norovirus, but staff had been reminded to maintain hygiene standards.

Musgrove Park Hospital is asking anyone who has had any diarrhoea or vomiting in the past two days to stay away from all wards, and has restricted visits to Sedgemoor and Exmoor wards to immediate family and close friends.