Norovirus update

Two further patients and four more employees in Ward 5 at Waikato Hospital have symptoms of norovirus today.

That takes the number of people affected this week to 14 patients and five staff.

Infection Control clinical nurse manager Vicki Parry (picture available on our website www.waikatodhb.govt.nz go to news, photo library and then enter norovirus into the search engine) says the hospital is already experiencing high occupancy rates and recommends people to see either their GP or the emergency department for assessment.

Infection Control staff today plan a "terminal clean" of the ward and staff in the ward were wearing masks, aprons and gloves.

The hospital has also set up strict procedures to ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the ward was maintained.

Meanwhile Health Waikato emergency departments at Waikato, Thames, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui and Tokoroa hospitals are telling patients showing flu-like symptoms such as a cough, running nose, fever or sneezing to apply gel to their hands and put on a mask provided in the departments (sign attached).

There are plans today to put signs at the entrances to Waikato Hospital asking the public not to visit patients if they have any flu-like symptoms or are suffering from diarrohea or vomiting.

http://www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/news/pageid/2145845363/Norovirus_in_Waikato_Hospital_medic

ENDS