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 today, with four remaining shut at Princess Margaret Hospital and one at Burwood Hospital.
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is urging anyone with symptoms of vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea to contact their general practice for medical advice rather than presenting themselves at Christchurch Hospital's emergency department.
Wards at Princess Margaret Hospital and Christchurch Hospital were closed earlier this year after a similar outbreak of the gut-wrenching virus that is spread through contaminated food and eating surfaces and by contact with infected people.
CDHB spokeswoman Michele Hider today 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, Ms Hider told NZPA.
"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," she said.
People were being urged to contact their doctor or general practice for medical advice.
Most stomach bugs were easily spread to other people and could be managed at home.
If people were feeling unwell, their health professional would know if they needed to be admitted to a hospital, Ms Hider said.
- NZPA
