Gastro bug outbreak triggers warning

Wairarapa Hospital visitors are being warned of a gastroenteritis outbreak at the hospital's assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward. FILE PHOTO

A Wairarapa Hospital ward has been marked as a no-go zone after an outbreak of gastroenteritis.

Visitors have been advised not to make unnecessary visits to the hospital's assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward in an effort to minimise the effects of the outbreak.

All patients with symptoms of the gastrointestinal illness are being treated in isolation and affected staff are being advised to stay off work until they are symptom-free for 48 hours.

Symptoms, which are usually short-lived last from two to 50 hours, and include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and headaches.

Infection control nurse specialist Lizzie Daniell said if visitors planned to see patients in several wards they should go to the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation ward last.

"We have put signs up regarding gastroenteritis at the entrance to the ward," she said.

"Visitors to the hospital are advised not to visit if they have had an episode of vomiting/diarrhoea recently, and if they do visit the hospital, to wash their hands before and after they have visited patients or had appointments.

She said patients who have symptoms are being cared for separately using special precautions like using gowns and masks.

"There is enhanced cleaning in the ward.

"All staff are vigilant with hand washing and are helping by cleaning commonly touched surfaces with bleach-based solutions."

Good hand hygiene at home was also important in reducing the spread of gastroenteritis in the community.

-Wairarapa DHB advises anyone who becomes unwell to contact their GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice from trained registered nurses.