Part of Pambula hospital was closed to new patients last week after Norovirus, the highly contagious gastro virus, affected both patients and staff.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A spokesperson for Southern NSW Local Health District confirmed that a number of patients and staff at the hospital were affected by an outbreak of gastroenteritis last week.
As a precaution the hospital did not admit any new patients for a two-day period from last Wednesday, June 20, although its emergency department and day surgery operated as normal.
A spokesman for Southern NSW Local Health District said it appeared the town of Pambula was currently experiencing a gastro outbreak, and it is believed the virus spread to the hospital when a member of the community presented complaining of vomiting and diarrhoea.
The virus has been identified as Norovirus, which is highly contagious and infected people can easily contaminate their environment directly, or indirectly.
There is no specific treatment for the virus which usually only lasts two to three days, but it is important that infected people stay well hydrated.
The spokesman said infected patients were isolated within the hospital when the outbreak was confirmed last week and the two remaining patients suffering from the virus are expected to be cleared today, Wednesday, June 27.