A virus that swept through a Tasman school last week leaving 30 staff off sick has been confirmed as Norovirus.
Lab tests have confirmed the outbreak at Richmond's Waimea College was as a result of the highly contagious vomiting and diarrhoea bug. All staff are back at work.
Nelson-Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Jill Sherwood said on Tuesday she believes the virus entered the school via the staff room where the hard surfaces were likely to have been contaminated.
Dr Sherwood said no food outlet was involved in the spread of the infection.
Norovirus is always circulating in the community and the best defence is thorough and frequent hand washing and drying especially after toileting and before preparing food, she said.
