Hospital ward stays closed as suspected virus cases rise

Two more patients and a staff member have developed suspected norovirus at Dunedin Hospital, but health authorities plan to reopen one of two closed medical wards.

The wards were closed to visitors and new admissions on Wednesday after 13 hospital staff and 11 patients showed symptoms of the gut-wrenching stomach virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Otago District Health Board infection control co-ordinator Jo Stodart said two more patients and a staff member had fallen ill with similar symptoms today.

One ward was to reopen after thorough cleaning and its patients had been transferred to another ward that would remain closed.

Ms Stodart said some patients had been discharged from both wards because they were medically fit.

Results of tests to confirm whether the illness is norovirus were expected next week.

- NZPA