Staff have been sent home and patients put into isolation to prevent a chicken pox outbreak at the King Edward Memorial VII Hospital.One member of staff is currently ill with chicken pox and a further four staff have been told to stay at home as a precautionary measure. The staff are believed to be nurses on the Gordon Ward. Two patients have also been put into isolation for up to 11 days as they are believed to have come into contact with the infected member of staff.A hospital spokeswoman said the hospital had taken all necessary precautions and visitors to the hospital “were at no greater risk for contracting chicken pox than in a community setting”.She said: “The hospital has taken all precautions to protect staff and patients. Only one person is currently ill with chicken pox, but proactive infection prevention protocols were immediately introduced. No one else is ill at this time.”The spokesman said patient and staff safety were top priorities at Bermuda Hospitals Board and they were working closely with the Infection Prevention Team. She added: “People should always practice good hygiene, wherever they are. This includes washing their hands thoroughly and/or using sanitising gel.”The spokeswoman would not answer any further questions.