MERCY University Hospital in Cork city have announced that it is closed to visitors for infection prevention and control reasons.

The hospital said the closure will be reviewed in 48 hours.

They also said that requests for visits on compassionate grounds will be facilitated.

Those affected are asked to contact the ward manager to discuss directly.

In a statement released this afternoon, Mercy University Hospital said: 'Please do not visit the hospital if you have a cough, vomiting, diarrhoea or feel unwell in any way.

'This is to protect inpatients and staff and limit the spread of infection.'