OUTBREAKS of norovirus have doubled in Bournemouth and Poole this winter, latest figures have revealed.

The Dorset County Council area has also seen an increase of around a third.

Now Public Health England has urged the public to follow basic hygiene advice to stop the virus spreading further.

Latest figures reveal that so far this winter there have been 16 outbreaks in Bournemouth compared with seven in the same period last year.

Nine outbreaks were in nursing or care homes, four in education or nursery and two in hospitals.

In Poole the number jumped from seven to 13 with six in nursing or care homes and five in education or nursery.

In Dorset there were 27 outbreaks, compared with 20 last year.

Nursing or care homes accounted for 17, seven were in education or nursery and one was in a hospital.

The increases in Bournemouth and Poole are the highest in the south west region.

Norovirus is a highly-contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Most people will recover within a few days and can return to work or school but if Norovirus is introduced unintentionally into places where lots of people congregate, such as schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes, the illness can spread incredibly quickly and affect vulnerable people.

Dr Caroline Gamlin, Medical Director for NHS England in the South West, said: "We know there is real pressure on the NHS this winter, so if you have any vomiting, diarrhoea or respiratory symptoms please don’t visit relatives and friends in hospital or care homes.

"The impact can be huge if you spread norovirus or flu, not just on vulnerable patients who are already unwell but on the availability of beds for other people. So please do your bit this winter to help keep others safe."

Public Health England has stressed that alcohol or antibacterial hand sanitisers are not an effective protection against the virus and that regular hand washing is vital.

The organisation urged people to "Think NORO".

N - No visits to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if you are suffering from symptoms of norovirus - send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better

O - Once you’ve been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, you’re safe to return to work, school or visit hospitals and care home

R - Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food

O - Only hand-washing will prevent spread of norovirus - alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus.