An unseasonal outbreak of the winter vomiting bug has led health bosses to ask relatives and carers not to visit the Royal Cornwall Hospital.

There have been a number of cases of the Norovirus bug at the Truro complex in recent days.

Louise Dickinson, joint director for infection prevention and control, said: “It is unusual for us to see cases of Norovirus in our hospitals at this time of year. “Nevertheless, it is important that we respond quickly to minimise any disruption and we hope visitors will support our request for them to stay away unless there are exceptional circumstances.”

Because Norovirus can spread easily and rapidly, all visitors to the Royal Cornwall Hospital are asked to ring the ward they wish to visit for advice before setting out.

Outpatient clinics and planned surgery are going ahead but anyone who has had symptoms of diarrhoea and or vomiting, or has been in contact with anyone with these symptoms, should avoid visiting any hospital until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone.