Three patients and eight staff members at Tokoroa Hospital were still suffering norovirus-like symptoms this afternoon.
Visitors are being urged to stay away as Waikato District Health Board battles the norovirus outbreak which has put a dampener on the hospital's 40th anniversary celebrations.
Patients with the virus are being isolated and affected staff are staying at home until symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
Earlier today it was reported the virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, had hit 11 staff and 10 patients.
Waikato District Health Board infection control staff will review the situation again tomorrow.
Tokoroa Hospital manager Joanne Knight said the message for the South Waikato community was still to stay away from the hospital unless it was an emergency.
People with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, coughs or sneezing should stay away.
Infection control measures are in place at the hospital and include strict hand hygiene regulations.
The first Waikato District Health Board meeting to be held at the hospital tomorrow would still go ahead, but away from the ward, said Waikato Hospital spokeswoman Mary Anne Gill.
"It was going to be Tokoroa's big day and in fact Tokoroa Hospital has its 40th anniversary this week," she said.
"They were preparing for it like it was a royal visit but then someone went and brought norovirus in."
She said staff service recognition awards would still go ahead.
Sixteen female staff members from three rural hospitals - Te Kuiti, Taumarunui and Tokoroa - are being recognised for long service awards. Four have 30 years service.
