So far, 99 cases have been reported and the Wrexham hospital has urged people to put off visiting patients in a bid to stop the spread of the norovirus bug.

Patients on a total of ten wards had displayed signs of the norovirus illness, with the first cases appearing before Christmas.

In some cases they were admitted because of the illness, in others symptoms developed after they came into hospital.

In total, 99 patients have been affected since the outbreak started.

Hospital spokesman Andy Scotson said: "This bug is a particular problem, not just in hospitals, because it spreads so easily from person to person, through direct contact and also through the air.

"To help us control the current situation, we are asking people to cut back on visiting friends and relatives on the affected wards unless it is absolutely necessary. In particular we want to discourage children from coming onto the wards.

"As well as reducing the risk of further infection being inadvertently carried into the hospital from outside, we don't want visitors to be at risk of picking up the illness which they could then take back home.

"We especially ask that anyone who has themselves had diarrhoea or vomiting does not visit until they have been clear of symptoms for 48 hours.""

Those who are due to come into hospital for operations need not be concerned as patients are not being admitted to wards affected by the outbreak.

Likewise clinics and outpatient work continues as normal.

Mr Scotson said everyone could help protect themselves from norovirus, as well as other illnesses, by making sure they follow good hand hygiene, whether in hospital, or at home.