Norovirus Precautions

Thursday 25 September 2008

Norovirus Precautions

Southland Hospital is making every effort to ensure that it is not affected by the Norovirus and would like to remind the public of precautions it can take to avoid the spreading of this highly contagious illness, said Interim Chief Operating Officer Leanne Samuel.

Norovirus is spread easily from person to person and its symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pains.

"Visitors please note, if you have been ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, we'd ask you to stay away from Southland Hospital for 48 hours after your symptoms have ceased, or after having been in contact with someone with these symptoms."

Mrs Samuel said the hospital would also like to remind the public of the vital importance of good hand hygiene for preventing the spread of this illness.

"This means washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and then drying them for 20 seconds on a clean towel or disposable towel."

The Norovirus is a thoroughly contagious virus. The most usual ways of catching it are through contact with infected people, or contaminated food and fluids.

ENDS

© Scoop Media