Due to the outbreak of norovirus, a ward at Whangarei Hospital has been closed as eight cases have been notified of carrying Norovirus gastroenteritis symptoms. Among these cases, two patients have been confirmed as victims of Norovirus, three other patients and three of the staff members have been suspected cases.

The affected patients have been isolated, said the Northland District Health Board (DHB). The symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains.

Northland DHB's Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Gloria Johnson stated that the Ward 15 has been closed for new medical admissions and only two adult visitors will be allowed to visit per patient. The entry of children has been restricted and the visitors will be asked to wear protective clothes and will be asked to stress on hand hygiene.

Dr. Johnson said, "Visitors displaying gastroenteritis-like symptoms won't be permitted access to the ward unless there are exceptional circumstances and the visit has been cleared with the ward charge nurse or hospital duty manager”.

Dr. Johnson said the people should wash their hands regularly with soap, should lay emphasis on clean fingernails and should wipe their hands with clean towel to avoid the norovirus.