There is no link between a confirmed Norovirus outbreak that closed a ward at Dunedin Hospital for four days last week and the closure of two more wards on Sunday, hospital officials say.
Wards 8A and 8B are closed to new patients and visitors, and one surgery has been cancelled, after nine patients and three staff have fallen ill with suspected Norovirus since Sunday.
Last week Ward 5B was closed after a dozen staff and three patients fell ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Otago District Health Board infection prevention and control charge nurse manager Jo Stodart said patients who were seriously unwell and would usually be admitted to either ward were being admitted to other wards.
Patients fit to be discharged home would be, but no patients with symptoms of Norovirus would be discharged to other facilities, such as rest homes.
Results of tests to determine whether the cause is Norovirus are expected next week.
Norovirus is highly contagious and its symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal pains.
Norovirus is particularly infectious and the illness usually lasts for 36 to 48 hours.
