CUMBRIA has been put on red alert for outbreaks of norovirus following an increasing number of cases in the community.

Cumbria County Council has issued a "red trigger level" for the diarrhoea and vomiting bug.

This trigger is launched when there are a high number of cases in the community and hospitals have outbreaks of norovirus resulting in one or more ward closures.

People have been found to be attending inpatient units belonging to University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Furness General Hospital, with norovirus symptoms, spreading the virus to staff and patients.

Angela Coton, matron for infection prevention and control at UHMBT, is asking for the public's help.

She said: "Norovirus is a common cause of diarrhoea and/or vomiting and is often referred to as the winter vomiting bug because it has, historically, been more common in winter, although it can circulate throughout the year.

"We are experiencing more and more people attending our hospitals with norovirus symptoms which has resulted in staff and other patients becoming ill with the virus themselves."

Friends and relatives of patients are asked not to visit hospitals or clinics if they have suffered symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours, not to bring food in for loved ones, not to visit with young children and not to visit communal areas.

Visitors are also advised to wash their hands when they enter and exit wards and to keep visiting to two people per bed.

Furness General Hospital's Ward Seven had confirmed cases of Norovirus in December.

Colin Cox, director of public health at Cumbria County Council, said: "While for most people norovirus is unpleasant but short-lived, it is important to try to stop it spreading in order to protect those who are more vulnerable, including frail older people and those who are already in hospital for other reasons."

To help ease symptoms of norovirus, people should drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, eat plain foods like soup and rice, and take paracetamol for any fever, aches or pains.

People are recommended to use special rehydration drinks available from pharmacies when experiencing signs of dehydration like dry mouth and dark urine.

David Walker, medical director at UHMBT, said: "While we understand that the virus can make you feel dreadful, you only need to seek medical advice if you have signs of dehydration such as persistent dizziness, only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all or reduced consciousness; if you have bloody diarrhoea; if you or your child have a serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, or if your symptoms haven't started to improve after a few days.

"By not attending hospitals with norovirus symptoms, you will help us to keep our staff and patients free of the virus."

Friends and relatives are asked:

- Not to visit any hospital or clinic if they have suffered symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48 hours

- Not to visit with young children

- To keep visiting to two people to a bed

- To remember to hand wash with soap and water on entrance to and exit from the ward area

- To only visit their own relatives/friends and not to visit communal areas within the hospital.

To help ease symptoms of norovirus:

- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

- Avoid giving fizzy drinks or fruit juice to children as it can make diarrhoea worse. Babies should continue to feed as usual, either with breast milk or other milk feeds.

- Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.

- Get plenty of rest.

- Eat plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread.

- Use special rehydration drinks available from pharmacies when experiencing signs of dehydration like dry mouth or dark urine.