TWO hospital wards have been closed because of a winter virus just days after a care home re-opened following an outbreak of the bug.

Eight patients and four members of staff on a cardiology ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital have been struck down with the Norwalk virus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

A further ward and a small bedded unit have also been closed to new admissions due to a similar outbreak, the source of which has not yet been identified.

Earlier this week, Alderbank Care Home, between Farnworth and Kearsley, was closed to new admissions because of the Norwalk virus, but it is now fully open.

Heather Edwards, head of communications of the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "We have put all necessary measures into place to reduce the risk of infection spreading and are monitoring the situation carefully.

"Closing wards adds additional pressure to the hospital at an already very busy time. We would ask people to help by not visiting relatives if they have any recent symptoms themselves and by observing good hand hygiene."

But Bolton's health bosses are urging people not to panic, and have recommended simple precautions to help people stay healthy.

Norwalk virus is an unpleasant, but usually non-dangerous infection. Symptoms usually disappear within 24 to 48 hours.

Graham Munslow, health protection specialist for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "As often happens early in the New Year, there seem to be a lot of these illnesses about.

"I think we've probably all got colleagues or friends or family who have been poorly recently."