Hand hygiene reminders after five gastroenteritis outbreaks in MDHB region

15/05/2011 | Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

The MidCentral Public Health Unit has been notified of five gastroenteritis outbreaks within institutions in the MidCentral District over the past week.

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 in some, particularly if they become dehydrated. Children, elderly and people with weak immune systems are more likely to suffer serious illness.

MidCentral Medical Officer of Health Dr Robert Weir said: “Single cases of gastroenteritis are not notifiable to the Medical Officer of Health unit so it is difficult to be sure how widespread the cases of gastroenteritis may be. When outbreaks occur in institutions it is usually an indicator of increased levels of illness circulating in the community.

“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.

“Two of the outbreaks are known to involve norovirus.  Three of the outbreaks are in rest homes. The other two outbreaks are within hospital wards. There have been 119 cases in total.  Public Health is assisting with control measures in all five outbreaks and infection control is managing the hospital outbreaks.”

To minimise 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 ring ahead to advise them you are bringing in a person with gastroenteritis.

Personal hygiene is the best way to minimise the spread of gastroenteritis. Hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and warm water, followed by effective drying for 20 seconds is required.

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945