Virus hits jamboree

Thirty scouts have been isolated after a suspected outbreak of norovirus at the 18th New Zealand Scout Jamboree in Christchurch.

A Canterbury District Health Board health protection team is assisting organisers of the jamboree to deal with the problem.

The sick scouts have been isolated in the central first-aid station after becoming ill yesterday.

"Jamboree organisers are taking all necessary precautions to limit the spread of the illness," Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said last night.

"Samples have been taken and results should be available to analyse within 24 hours. However, the illness shows all of the signs of being norovirus."

Camp chief Ross McKenzie said strict hand washing rules had been reinforced, with all scouts required to wash their hands when coming back to camp sites and before eating.

St John first-aid stations were available in all three of the jamboree's sub-camps.

- NZPA