THREE wards of a North-East hospital have been closed because of a stomach bug outbreak.

Last night, 46 people had been affected by the viral form of gastro-enteritis at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Health bosses said visitors were being told of the problem, but they were not being stopped from entering the areas affected by sickness and diarrhoea - medical wards nine, ten and 11.

The first case was confirmed at the beginning of the month, and 22 staff and 24 patients have developed the bug since then, as the infection control team tried to minimise its spreading.

Patients waiting to be discharged to other hospitals or nursing and residential homes are not being allowed to leave, while staff who have suffered the symptoms have been told to stay off work until they are deemed non-infectious.

Hospital bosses insist there is no cause for alarm and the virus is not life-threatening.

Infection control doctor John Hovenden said: "We are working closely with the public health team and reviewing this on a daily basis.

"Staff are meticulously following all the infection control guidance to minimise the risk of any further spread, but the situation has improved and we are admitting patients on to the wards.

"However, patients can incubate this virus for up to 72 hours, so as a precautionary measure we are not transferring them on to other wards or into residential and nursing homes until we're happy the patients are not carrying the virus.

"This is a viral form of gastro-enteritis which is also affecting the community at large. While we haven't stopped visitors coming on to the wards, posters have been put up advising them of the situation.

"Staff will be on hand to offer assistance and advice."

There is no specific treatment for sickness and diarrhoea apart from drinking plenty of fluids, and most people will usually feel better within a couple of days.

Experts say viral gastro-enteritis is spread by direct contact with someone who has the illness or by the airborne route - similar to catching a cold. The single most effective measure in helping to prevent the virus from spreading is thorough hand-washing and drying.