Wairarapa reports of norovirus have surfaced in the wake of outbreaks that have savaged the MidCentral Health District.
Rob Weir, MidCentral medical officer of health, said yesterday he had this month been notified of norovirus outbreaks at five institutions in the MidCentral health district.
More than 140 people have been infected and
three of the outbreaks were in rest homes and two were within hospital wards, Dr Weir said .
Stephen Palmer, Greater Wellington medical officer of health, said yesterday he had been notified of a norovirus outbreak at a rest home in Masterton this month. It is understood at least one other case has surfaced this month at a rest home in Pahiatua.
Common symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pains.
The organisms that cause gastroenteritis are highly infectious. Most people recover from gastroenteritis quickly but it can be serious, particularly if people become dehydrated.
Children, elderly and people with weak immune systems are more likely to suffer serious illness.
Dr Weir said single cases of gastroenteritis are not notifiable "so it is difficult to be sure how widespread the cases of gastroenteritis may be".
"When outbreaks occur in institutions it may be an indicator of increased levels of illness circulating in the community." he said. "If people can remain at home and avoid contact with others for 48 hours after their gastroenteritis symptoms stop, the spread of disease through institutions and the wider community would be reduced."
Stop the spread
To minimise the spread of gastroenteritis within the community and prevent taking illness into institutions:
Wash and dry hands regularly when caring for sick people, before preparing food and after using the toilet.
Anyone with symptoms of gastroenteritis should avoid contact with others. It is important that they do not visit rest homes, hospitals or attend school or Early Child Education centres until 48 hours after symptoms of gastroenteritis have stopped.
If you or somebody you are caring for is extremely unwell and you feel you need to take them to the doctor, call Healthline 0800 611 116 for medical advice.
If you are advised to go to the doctor or hospital, please call ahead to advise them you are bringing in a person with gastroenteritis.
