(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-05 17:05

LONDON - More than 100 hospital wards across Britain have been closed to new patients in a bid to slow the spread of norovirus, known as winter vomiting bug, according to BBC on Friday.

Ward closures were implemented to contain the virus and stop it spreading to new, potentially vulnerable patients, BBC said quoting a spokeswoman for the Department of Health.

Doctors estimate that more than 100,000 people a week are catching the bug.

Norovirus spreads by contact with an infected person, through contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

It is not normally dangerous, but the very young and very old are most at risk of complications from dehydration. Outbreaks are common in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships.