Nonessential visitors to Ipswich Hospital have been asked to stay away after a suspected norovirus outbreak.

A number of patients at the hospital have shown symptoms of the norovirus, which is also known as the winter vomiting disease.

Kesgrave Ward has been closed to new admissions and the hospital has asked visitors to stay away unless their visit is essential.

A hospital spokesman said: “Because we are concerned that we’ve a suspected case of norovirus, we’ve taken the precaution of asking visitors not to come in.

“The ward is closed to new admission and it’s closed to relatives.

“We are asking everyone to be good visitors and not to come if they are feeling unwell.”

The spokesman said the number of patients affected by the norovirus was “very small”.

Teams have been called into carry out a deep clean in the affected ward and the situation is being closely monitored.

The following advice is given on the hospital’s website: “Please do not visit loved ones or friends in hospital if you are sick yourself. Or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

“If you do visit, please make sure you wash your hands with soap and water on arrival to the ward or clinical area and wash them again before you leave.

“Anyone who has had diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from the hospital for at least 48 hours after they have recovered even if they feel better.

“Anyone suffering from norovirus should stay at home, drink plenty of water and take paracetamol tablets to relieve a temperature.”

A similar outbreak at West Suffolk Hospital last month resulted in the closure of two wards; one on Christmas Day and another on Monday, December 29.

Ipswich Hospital said it would reopen the award “as soon as possible”.