PUBLIC health experts are continuing an investigation into an outbreak of salmonella among patients at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

There have been no further cases reported beyond the eight revealed on Wednesday, and investigators from Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Public Health Wales, and Newport city council's environmental health department are still trying to find out the source or sources of the infection.

This involves trying to establish whether or not there is a common link between patients, relatives or friends who have been in recent contact, as far as food purchase, consumption or other factors are concerned.

It remains unclear whether those suffering from salmonella caught it in the community or in hospital.

It is understood that some showed signs of infection when they were admitted, while others did not.

GPs have been contacted to alert them to the possibility that the bug may be present in the community.

All of those infected are recovering well, and are being treated in accordance with infection control procedures designed to try to prevent the spread of such illnesses.

The outbreak is an extra challenge for hospital staff, who have had - and are continuing - to deal with a spate of diarrhoea and vomiting cases separate to the salmonella outbreak.

Salmonella is generally linked to eating contaminated foods, though it can be passed from person to person.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually include watery or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Anyone with some or all of these symptoms is advised to contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales for advice.