Just when the authorities at St. Paul’s hospital thought of taking a sigh of relief, there were three new cases reported for the Norovirus, boosting the infection toll to 40 so far.

Dawn Kidd, a spokesman for the hospital said that the staff was in impression that the outbreak was easing but the treatment given to three patients on Tuesday proved us wrong.

She further warned people to wash their hands frequently and to clean the affected areas with either bleach or white methylated spirits.

As a precautionary measure, the hospital staff has decided to continue with the restricted entries in the premises. Only the family members of those in critical care or the ones with appointments and emergency are allowed for the entry.

Norovirus is an RNA virus, which is responsible for no less than 90% of all epidemic outbreaks of gastroenteritis across the world. Highly contagious, it is often characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Common symptoms include weakness, lethargy, muscular pains and chronic headaches.

Since, Norovirus poses perils for all age groups equally, it is quite important to keep your surroundings clean and should avoid going to closed or semi-closed communities such as hospitals, prisons, dormitories where it spreads very quickly.