Restaurant sanitised after dozens fall ill

A Christchurch restaurant implicated in an outbreak of norovirus has taken steps to prevent the virus from spreading.

Winnie Bagoes Restaurant was linked to the outbreak, which has seen 36 cases of the nausea and vomiting-causing stomach bug.

Owner Geoff Cavell said members of the public and staff were infected by the virus. He said the restaurant closed for a day last week and cutlery, crockery and furniture were cleaned with hot soapy water and bleach in a bid to rid the business of the virus.

Health authorities, which had refused to name the restaurant, are trying to track other reported cases not linked to the Winnie Bagoes outbreak.

Community and Public Health yesterday confirmed it was dealing with an outbreak of the gut-wrenching norovirus -- a contagious stomach bug.

Previous outbreaks in Christchurch have forced the closure of hospital wards and the cancellation of surgery.

Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Mel Brieseman said Community and Public Health was aware of cases from at least nine cafes, takeaway bars and restaurants in the past 10 days.

The outbreak involved "significant numbers of people", but it was hard to know exactly how many people had been infected, he told The Press newspaper. No-one had been admitted to hospital.

Dr Brieseman said any premises that had several people infected would be investigated, but he refused to name those identified so far.

City councillor Gail Sheriff told the paper it was a "tough call" whether health authorities should name the eateries.

"I think if it's a one-off -- that it's their first time -- I think it's pretty difficult and they should be given an opportunity but if they are repeat offenders they should be named.

"If they are repeat offenders they should be closed down."

Authorities have urged people to improve their hygiene to control and prevent further disease outbreaks.

- NZPA