KEY POINTS:
Wards remain closed at two Christchurch hospitals as the latest outbreak of highly infectious norovirus runs its course, while a third is now clear of the stomach bug.
Two wards affected at Christchurch Hospital were re-opened yesterday, with four remaining shut at Princess Margaret Hospital and one at Burwood Hospital.
Canterbury District Health Board spokeswoman Michele Hider yesterday dismissed claims the outbreak was one of the worst to hit Christchurch hospitals in decades.
While it was unusual for three hospitals to be affected at the same time, showing the virus was quite widespread, the intensity of the outbreak had been greater previously. "Closing these wards is really a precautionary measure, because once you've got a few cases you don't want to bring other people in and risk making them sick as well.
"The board urged anyone with symptoms of vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea to contact their general practice instead of going to Christchurch Hospital's emergency department. Wards at Princess Margaret Hospital and Christchurch Hospital were closed earlier this year after a similar outbreak.
