Norovirus cases in Tauranga Hospital

Norovirus cases in Tauranga Hospital

Four wards at Tauranga Hospital are being closely monitored after a number of patients have contracted Norovirus - a viral gastroenteritis that spreads easily from person to person. The four wards affected are Health in Aging, 2A and 2B and 2C.

Twenty-two patients have been taken ill with the gastroenteritis bug, which has been closely monitored since Monday. There are currently 15 patients experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms with the remainder recovering. The hospital and staff are taking all possible measures to avoid the further spread of the virus.

We advise the community to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital and to especially avoid bringing children in as visitors where possible.

If visiting is necessary, please follow all hand hygiene advice and other precautions recommended by staff including visiting only one ward. Expect specific restrictions on the visiting of certain wards. Please do not visit patients on the wards if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms in the last 48 hours.

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and is a reasonably common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community. Most cases will resolve without treatment within one to two days, but if you do have symptoms please stay at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms last more than two days, you have difficulty keeping fluids down, your symptoms worsen, or you have any additional symptoms or concerns, please contact Healthline toll-free on 0800 611 116 for health advice. Good hand hygiene helps to prevent the spread of the illness, so washing your hands well and frequently is important.

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