HSE South West have advised the public to take care as high levels of norovirus circulate in the community.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, causes the sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads extremely easily.

The seasonal surge in cases puts extra pressure on health and care services, including hospitals and nursing homes.

Norovirus is highly infectious and is easily spread by close contact between people.

Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the HSE South West, said: 'If you have respiratory symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhoea, do not visit hospitals, nursing homes, or vulnerable people at home. Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell. Your actions will make a difference.'

HSE South West reminds the public that Cork University Hospital continues to experience high activity levels with visitor restrictions remaining in place to protect vulnerable patients and staff.