An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis (winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug) in Pembrokeshire has hit Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

A number of patients at the hospital are unwell and measures have already been put in place to reduce the risk of spread.

Visitors are asked to help by not visiting the hospital inpatient ward areas unless essential; not visiting hospital wards or attending for scheduled appointments if you feel unwell or have symptoms of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea or have been in contact with people with these symptoms. If you are not attending for these reasons, please contact the relevant department to rebook your appointment.

It is also advised that children should not visit inpatient areas during the outbreak.

Outpatient appointments and other scheduled services are continuing as normal.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you are advised to drink fluids regularly and if your symptoms persist or you develop severe abdominal pain or you have another medical condition, you should seek advice through NHS Direct or your General Practitioner.

If you do visit the hospital, please ensure that you read the information available at ward entrances and that you take the precautions to protect yourselves and the patients on the ward.

Associate director of nursing Chris Hayes said: "This is a seasonal vomiting and diarrhoea bug which affects many hospitals in winter. Because of the nature of the virus, it can spread rapidly and, of course, visitors can bring it in.

"Strict infection control precautions have been put into place to try to limit the effects of this virus and two wards have been closed to further admissions. If visitors follow the advice given above, then this should further help to reduce its spread."