Norovirus Outbreak at Dunedin Hospital Finished

A Norovirus outbreak which began in Dunedin Hospital on Monday 10 January has been resolved and all wards affected by the outbreak are now open.

“We are very pleased that the outbreak of norovirus at Dunedin Hospital has concluded swiftly, demonstrating the effectiveness of our infection prevention control measures,” says Southern District Health Board Chief Operating Officer Hamish Brown.

“Staff are to be commended for their excellent work towards ending the outbreak and implementing measures to reduce the spread of the virus and return to normal ward operations.”

All people visiting Dunedin Hospital, who are not patients, are reminded to stay at home if they are unwell and not to visit until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. These measures will help reduce the risk of future outbreaks and protect staff and vulnerable patients.

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MORE INFORMATION:
Norovirus is the major cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis and can remain viable in the environment for up to 12 days.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Vomiting is more common in young people, and diarrhoea in adults.

Generally, symptoms begin 1-2 days after exposure to the virus, and symptoms last 1-2 days.

Affected people must stay away from work, school, or preschool until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.

Media enquiries:
SDHB Communications
communications@southerndhb.govt.nz