KEY POINTS:
A second ward has been closed at Tauranga Hospital by an outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus.
Infection control coordinator Adrienne Stewart said six patients and one staff member on Ward 10 had tested positive for the virus, which has symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.
The hospital's ward five was closed on Friday to child visitors and all transfers from the ward have been halted until it is infection-free.
Ms Stewart said Ward 10 patients were mainly elderly and "particularly vulnerable" to infection.
Visitors to the ward were being asked to check in with staff before they came into contact with patients, and transfers to rest homes or other wards were restricted until the outbreak was constrained.
Ms Stewart said the hospital was asking members of the public who have symptoms of the gastroenteritis virus not to visit patients in the hospital.
"People in hospital tend to have lowered resistance and the impact of even small infections can seriously impede their recovery," she said.
"While the illness lasts about two days, the incubation period is one-four days and the infected person remains infectious for around two days after the illness has passed."
A key factor in preventing the spread of gastroenteritis is strict handwashing after using the toilet, and before preparing or serving food.
"We are urging people who may have gastroenteritis to avoid visiting friends and family in hospital, while symptoms persist," said Ms Stewart.
- NZPA
