A major hospital has been forced to close its doors to visitors following an outbreak of norovirus.

Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, the biggest hospital in the Hywel Dda Health Board area, announced today that it was closed to visitors.

In a statement, the health board said: "Due to confirmed cases of norovirus (winter vomiting bug) and flu, the decision has been made to close Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen to visitors with immediate effect.

"We thank everyone for your understanding at this time while we work to prevent the spread of this winter illness. Visiting will only be permitted in extenuating circumstances, please contact the ward directly.

"If you have an appointment and you have experienced the symptoms of an infectious illness such diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or symptoms of flu in the past 48 hours please contact us to see if your appointment is urgent, or if it can be rescheduled until you are feeling better.

"When visiting our hospitals please wash your hands as often as possible using soap and water and hand sanitiser.

"The situation is being monitored at regular intervals and a further update will be made when visitor restrictions are lifted."

Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli was also forced to close for a week earlier this month following an outbreak of norovirus