The Maldwyn Ward at Welshpool Hospital continues to be closed to new admissions due to a number of cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.

These cases have been confirmed as norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.

The Powys Teaching Health Board said: "Our first priority is our patients, so we are taking a number of steps to prevent further spread."

People are asked only to visit the hospital if "absolutely necessary"; for example, if there is a clinical need, or for patients receiving end of life care.

The Minor Injury Unit also remains closed overnight to prevent transmission of the virus.

The statement on Welshpool Hospital continued: "We regret that this also means that the Minor Injury Service at Welshpool Hospital is temporarily closed overnight (9pm to 8.30am). This is because the overnight service is provided by the Maldwyn Ward nursing team, and it is vital that we reduce the risk of cross-infection. For advice about minor injuries overnight please contact NHS 111.

"Alternative overnight services are available from the A&E departments at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, County Hospital in Hereford and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience, and the service will resume once the cases of diarrhoea and vomiting on the ward have cleared.

"Please do not visit hospitals or care homes if you, or the people you live with, have had diarrhoea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms within the last 48 hours. These bugs can be highly contagious, so we are grateful for your help to keep patients free from infection. If you are unsure whether to visit please feel free to contact the ward before you come into hospital."

A similar outbreak also affected patients at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital this week, where wards 27 and 28 were closed due to an outbreak of suspected Norovirus.

Those wards re-opened for admissions on Wednesday, March 27.