The first signs of winter vomiting bug norovirus have been recorded in Redbridge.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), which runs King George in Goodmayes and Queen’s in Romford, has issued public health advice to help prevent the bug spreading.

The trust said it had recorded a case of norovirus, the most common stomach virus in the UK, on a ward at its Romford hospital.

Director of infection prevention and control Dr Hosein said: “Norovirus is one of the most infectious agents that we face in the NHS, and it causes significant disruption to the services hospitals can provide.

“The virus always begins with spread in the wider community and then it gets into hospitals.

“I am hoping that the public will get behind us and stop more cases coming on to the wards.”

BHRUT said a similar campaign in previous winters had proved “incredibly successful”.

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