Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Norovirus Confirmed At Waikato Hospital
Media Release
Date: 14 September 2007
Norovirus
Confirmed At Waikato Hospital
Four patients in Waikato Hospital’s cardiac care unit were struck down with diarrhoea and vomiting today (Fri) prompting hospital officials to close the unit’s extension ward.
Fourteen patients, including the four affected, remain in the ward under strict infection control measures requiring all visitors to wash their hands thoroughly before entering and after leaving the ward. Signage has been posted to assist in keeping the bug under control. The four patients are isolated in cardiac care extension and toilet facilities allocated for their sole use.
A week ago hospital officials closed ward five * a general medical ward * when five patients and six nurses caught the bug.
Then earlier this week seven patients in cardiac care came down with the bug. The unit remained open.
As many as 14 staff are thought to have been affected.
Waikato District Health Board health services general manager Jan Adams said confirmation came through earlier today from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR) that the diarrhoea and vomiting in ward five was norovirus, brought in from the community.
ESR, under contract with the Ministry of Health, contributes to the national public health surveillance effort
However the hospital was also seeing cases of salmonella and campylobacter in the emergency department, said Mrs Adams.
“There are clearly a number of gastro bugs circulating in the community making control a challenge.”
Due to the confirmation of norovirus, and possible ongoing transmission in cardiac care, Infection Control Committee chairman Dr Graham Mills today ordered the cardiac care extension closed to new admissions and non-emergency transfers from 2pm.The extension would remain closed until Monday when Infection Control would reassess the situation, said Mrs Adams.
The four cardiac care patients, and four staff * two doctors and two nurses - developed symptoms that could be attributed to norovirus.
“Currently we are not aware of any wards other than cardiac care that are experiencing problems.”
Mrs Adams said environmental de-contamination would be undertaken over the weekend as norovirus could be extensive and contribute to transmission.
Waikato DHB medical officer of health Dr Anita Bell is on call throughout the weekend. Nirovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach aches. People may also have a fever, chills, headaches and muscle aches. The illness is usually brief with symptoms lasting one to two days.
Dr Bell urged people to wash their hands regularly, maintain good hygiene practices and clean contact surfaces. Infected people should not prepare food, she said.
The hospital is urging people suffering from the bug to stay away and recover at home.
ends
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
Massey University: New Research Highlights Gaps In Financial Education For Diverse Learners
Bunnings: Bunnings Rugby Assist Returns For 2025 To Support Your Club
Ruth Boyask, The Conversation: Kiwi Kids Once Led The World In Reading – This 1950s Primary School Syllabus Still Has Lessons For Today
818.: Kiwi Feature Film Pike River To Receive World Premiere At Sydney Film Festival
Hospice NZ: Hospices At Risk Of Disappearing
Health Coalition Aotearoa: New Bill A Vital Step Towards Tobacco-Free Future In Aotearoa