A KENT hospital caring for some of the most vulnerable patients in the community has been affected by a mystery stomach bug.

Earlier this month two wards at the Medway Maritime Hospital had to be closed because of the virus. About 20 elderly patients in Byron and Keats wards, all receiving long-term care, suffered vomiting and diarrhoea.

The hospital was today hoping the worst was over. Hospital spokesman David Green said: "It seems to be under control, everything seems to be clear - and then another patient gets the symptoms."

In a statement, the Medway NHS Trust said Byron ward was being monitored daily. We have initiated a very extensive and thorough cleaning programme of the ward environment and all staff, patients and visitors have been alerted to the need for strict infection control precautions."

The statement added: "The root cause of the outbreak has not been determined but, within the local community at the present time, viral infections of this type have been common place.

"Suffice to say that any visitors to the hospital who have these symptoms should refrain from visiting their loved ones until they feel better for at least 48 hours."

The hospital is urgently reviewing its anti-infection programmes and considering what can be learnt from the outbreak.