Norovirus still at Christchurch Hospital

Dec 27 2004

Members of the public are asked not to go to the Emergency Department at New Zealand's Christchurch hospital if they have symptoms of Norovirus – vomiting and diarrhoea.

Dr Steve Chambers said seven (7) patients were seen at ED today with Norovirus symptoms. This is in addition to a small outbreak of the virus in Ward 30.

‘The two wards – 27 and 28 that experienced Norovirus prior to Christmas are now reasonably under control which is good news,’ he said. ‘However, we are seeing an increasing number of people in our Emergency Department with vomiting and diarrhoea illness.’

‘If members of the public are suffering Norovirus symptoms, we are asking them to call or see their GP, or 24 hour medical centres first.’

Dr Chambers said while the hospital was experiencing the outbreak, visitors to the infected wards were being restricted. Children and elderly people were particularly vulnerable and it was important that they stayed away. Visitors to the wards needed to observe strict hygiene control measures and were asked to contact the ward staff on arrival.