Visitors are urged to stay away from the QEQM Hospital, Margate

At least eight hospital wards in Kent are now known to have been affected by norovirus.

A total of 83 people have been struck down with the winter vomiting bug at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital.

Four of the Margate hospital's wards have been closed to new admissions and deep-cleaning.

Visitors are being urged to stay away after an outbreak of the bug, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea.

It comes after Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust had already closed four wards to new patients.

Only those whose visits are thought to be urgent are asked to contact wards.

As many as 85 patients and 18 staff members have had norovirus at the QEQM Hospital.

Through hand washing is key to halting norovirus

An East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "You can help reduce the risk to our patients by visiting only if absolutely necessary - and please call the ward first for advice.

"Please do not bring children with you and do not visit if you are feeling at all unwell.

"If you have a hospital appointment, please attend as usual. We will contact you if you should not attend.

"If you are normally healthy and are experiencing diarrhoea and sickness, please do not come to A&E. If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact NHS Direct or your GP for assessment."

No cases have been reported at either Medway NHS Foundation Trust or Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.

It emerged today almost 900,000 people in England and Wales could have been affected by norovirus.

The Health Protection Agency says that is an increase of more than 80% on this time last year.

Norovirus can last up to three days, but patients can remain infectious for 48 hours before symptoms.

Thorough hand washing with soap and water is said to be the key to halt its spread.