Gastro outbreak at Calvary Public Hospital
Calvary Public Hospital is trying to contain a current gastro outbreak in two wards at the hospital.
The chief health officer has been notified about the norovirus outbreak which comes after a similar incident on June 17.
On that occasion one aged care facility resident taken by ambulance to the hospital with severe gastro symptoms died the day after their transfer.
A Calvary spokesman said the hospital was actively managing the current outbreak on two medical wards.
He asked for patients' families and friends to limit visits and that anyone with symptoms to avoid the hospital.
“In order to reduce the risk of transmission of norovirus we have implemented the use of personal protective equipment, and limited staff and patient movements in the affected wards," the spokesman said.
“Norovirus is one of the most common reasons for large outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhoea, and typically occurs in settings where people gather in close proximity, such as cruise ships, nursing homes and hospitals. It is sometimes referred to as the winter vomiting disease.
“It is important to recognise that everyone is susceptible to norovirus. It lives everywhere in our community – homes, schools, shopping malls, aged care facilities, clubs, houses and hospitals to name just a few.
“Everybody’s best protection against contracting or transmitting norovirus is good hand hygiene using soap and hot water."
The spokesman said the virus posesses the greatest risk to people with pre-existing medical contitions as well as the elderly and very young.
“People who contract norovirus who are otherwise healthy should not go to work or school, maintain good hydration, and rest until the symptoms pass," he said.
"It generally affects people for a period of 24 to 48 hours and can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient.”