Virus spread slows at Dunedin's public hospitals

The spread of a highly contagious virus that causes intense vomiting and diarrhoea appears to be slowing at Dunedin's public hospitals.

Only five people were affected by norovirus between Friday night and Sunday, said Otago District Health Board group manager Sonja Dillon.

The virus has struck more than 70 patients and staff at Dunedin Hospital and a mental health ward at the city's Wakari Hospital since the outbreak began about three weeks ago.

Ms Dillon said the decreasing numbers had sparked hope the outbreak was being brought under control.

The virus disrupted Wellington and Kenepuru, Porirua, hospitals last month.