Staff, patients affected by Norovirus outbreak in STAR Centre

20/03/2009 | Norovirus in STAR Centre

An outbreak of gastroenteritis that hit the STAR Centre at Palmerston North Hospital this week has been confirmed today as norovirus. There are several outbreaks of gastroenteritis within the DHB.

Since Sunday, 23 patients and 27 staff working in STAR (Services for the Treatment, Assessment and Rehabilitation) Wards 1 and 2 have been affected.

Patients have been isolated, admissions to the wards have been closed, visitors restricted, and staff  have been sent home to recover.

Doors to STAR wards remain closed today and visitors should be discouraged where appropriate i.e. children should not visit, and visitors should be kept to minimum numbers particularly when a patient is in contact precautions.

Noroviruses are highly infectious and routes of infection can include transmission through the air (spread through aerosolised vomit and faeces), close contact with those infected, and the environment. It can also be introduced by others, such as food handlers, cleaners, other staff, new patients or short-term visitors to an institution.

Staff, patients and visitors have been reminded that personal hygiene is the best way to minimise the risk of transmission. Hand washing with soap and water, followed by effective drying is required, and at frequent intervals the use of antiseptic hand rub is important.

Staff with symptoms have been sent home and once symptoms have been resolved, there is a mandatory stand down period of 48 hours.

CONTACT: Communications Unit: (06)350-8945