22 Aug 2008

New norovirus cases at Dunedin Hospital

4:01 pm on 22 August 2008

New cases of the norovirus have been discovered at Dunedin Hospital.

Otago District Health Board says a further three patients and three staff have developed symptoms in the past 24 hours.

More than 160 people at Dunedin and Wakari hospitals had become ill with the virus from Saturday until Thursday, leading to the cancellation of more than 2000 outpatient appointments.

Eighteen patients remain in isolation at Dunedin Hospital, with 15 suffering norovirus.

DHB officials expect visiting restrictions to be eased later on Friday after wards are cleaned.

All restrictions at Wakari Hospital were lifted on Thursday.