COMMUNICATIONS

Tips On How To Prevent The Spread Of Norovirus

With the prevalence of Norovirus in the community, the Canterbury District Health Board has some simple tips for the general public, tourist accommodation and food providers and anyone who is caring for the elderly or young.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Mel Brieseman says because Norovirus is a highly contagious condition, the two most important steps people can take are to isolate the sick person and to wash their hands thoroughly.

He says when someone has diarrhoea and/or vomiting, Norovirus should be suspected and appropriate measures put in place.

People who have come into contact with someone with the virus should wash both sides of their hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before drying them for the same amount of time. Alternatively, alcohol hand rub solutions, which are readily available from chemists, can be used.

The sick person should stay away from others until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. Their room, toilet and bathroom areas and any other areas they may have touched should be cleaned thoroughly with household bleach disinfectant.

Staff or family members should also wear gloves, and possibly masks, to help stop the spread of infection when handling sick people’s clothes, bedding or other contaminated items. They should wash their hands after they have removed their gloves.

For tourist accommodation providers, any rooms where sick guests have been staying should be thoroughly cleaned after they leave. They should also be left empty for as long as possible.

All hospital and rest home staff or those who work in childcare centres and food premises who become sick are also advised not to return to work until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Organisations that suspect they have a Norovirus outbreak should contact Community and Public Health on 379 9480.

Anyone with vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea, requiring medical assistance, should phone their GP or After Hours medical centre before visiting them or coming to Christchurch Hospital’s Emergency Department.

ENDS