People are being urged to stay away from city hospitals – and especially busy casualty departments – after an outbreak of contagious winter vomiting bug.

Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester General and the Glenfield hospitals have seen an increase in the number of patients with the bug, known as novovirus.

People with sickness and diarrhoea are being advised to stay at home rather than go to casualty.

Visitors are also being asked to think twice before visiting hospital patients.

Dr David Jenkins, microbiologist at the Universitry Hospitals of Leicester Trust, said: "It is vitally important that people with symptoms of the winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug stay away from our hospitals.

"There is always an increase in the winter vomiting bug during particularly cold periods but in most cases it can be managed safely and effectively at home.

"If you are feeling ill my advice is to stay at home, keep warm and drink lots of fluids. If you're not feeling better after 48 hours please contact your GP. The hospital's emergency department will not be the best place for you."

Visit NHS Direct for further medical advice – www.nhsdirect.co.uk or 0845 4647.