AN HOSPITAL ward was closed over the weekend following an outbreak of an airborne virus which has struck down staff and patients.

The Norwalk virus, which hit two hotels in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, last month, has also forced the closure of ward 32 at York District Hospital. A total of 21 people have been affected by the bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

A spokesman for York Health Services NHS Trust said Norwalk-type infections were not unusual in hospitals.

He said: "We can confirm that, as a precautionary measure, a general medical ward at York District Hospital has been closed to new admissions after a small number of patients and staff showed symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

"Some six patients and 12 staff on ward 32 are affected.

"In addition, there are isolated cases on ward 35, where two patients and one member of staff have reported symptoms, and two bed bays have been closed to admissions.

"The symptoms are similar to those of the Norwalk virus, although laboratory tests have not yet confirmed this. Similar outbreaks have been seen widely across North Yorkshire in recent weeks.

"Infection control staff at the hospital are liaising closely with the wards concerned to give appropriate advice to staff, patients and visitors on preventing the illness spreading."