COMMUNICATIONS

Media Release - 19/05/2006

Nirovirus Outbreak

An isolation ward has been set up at Christchurch Hospital following the identification of an outbreak of norovirus.

A total of 20 patients and 12 staff are affected. The outbreak has occurred in Wards 23 and 29. Ward 23 is now being set up as an isolation ward, with Ward 29 as a back up. All requisite infection control precautions have been taken to reduce the chance of further infection.

The hospital is advising only necessary visits to these wards while staff deal with the situation.

"Visitors should be aware of this situation before visiting. Elderly people and children are particularly vulnerable and should consider this carefully before visiting the affected wards," says Dr Mona Schousboe, Medical Director Infection Control, Canterbury District Health Board.

Norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in the community. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea which last for approximately 48 hours. The disease is usually self-limiting. The virus is spread mainly by person to person contact but can also be caught from contaminated surfaces.

The virus has also been identified at The Princess Margaret Hospital in a small number of patients.

Similar infection control precautions are in place at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Ends.

 

Jocelyn Johnstone
Acting Communications Manager
027-284-3286