The Norovirus situation at Epsom Hospital has improved further, it has been announced.

On January 23, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said that a total of 29 patients at the hospital were suffering from the illness, dubbed the “winter vomiting bug”.

The trust added that 75 out of 243 beds had been affected.

These were beds which either had a patient suffering from the illness, or were unusable because they were in the same area.

Two days later, the trust said that a total of 22 beds had been reopened.

And in a statement released yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), the trust announced that the situation “continues to improve”.

“However, there remain 47 beds currently out of use because they are being used by patients who have diarrhoea and vomiting, or because they are in the same area,” it said.

“Sixteen of these beds are due to re-open within the next 36 hours.”

The trust is continuing to ask for help from patients and local people to combat the spread of the bug.

The symptoms of a Norovirus usually start between 24 and 48 hours after the initial infection, although they can start after as little as 12 hours.

The first symptom is usually a sudden onset of nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Some people may also have a mild fever, headaches, stomach cramps, or aching limbs.

The trust is asking those who are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting to not come to the hospital for a routine appointment, to not visit patients at the hospital and to not attend the A&E department unless it is a genuine emergency.

The trust added that patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting who have urgent appointments, such as those in cancer clinics, should call the appointment number for advice.

Those without symptoms, meanwhile, are being asked to keep visiting to a minimum and avoid bringing children into the hospital.

“Because Norovirus spreads so easily, those with diarrhoea and vomiting should remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped,” said the trust statement.

“It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water once the vomiting has stopped, or if you are only suffering from diarrhoea.

“Personal hygiene must also be good so please make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet.”

People who have the Norovirus can expect the symptoms to go away within one to three days.