A gastroenteritis outbreak has occurred in a ward at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH).

Tests have confirmed norovirus, which is highly contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

“To ensure the virus is contained as quickly as possible, we have implemented a strict outbreak management plan to contain any infection, which currently affects only one ward,” Royal Darwin Hospital Director of Medical Services Dr Alison Maclean said.

“It takes very few virus particles to cause infection so we ask that family members of patients in the ward, Ward 4B Isolation, consider delaying visits and phone the ward before coming to the hospital.

“Reducing contact with members of the public will help avoid any spread of the virus in the wider community. The virus is not uncommon within the community and in most cases people who contract this illness do not require hospitalisation but it can spread very easily.”

It is also advised that children and immunosuppressed members of the public do not visit the ward.

The virus has been traced to a person who did not know they were carrying norovirus when they were admitted to RDH. Pathology results returned after the patient was discharged confirmed norovirus. The patient had come into contact with several people while in hospital, transmitting the virus. There are three inpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of norovirus. Three patients and two staff have symptoms consistent with norovirus.

“It is very important to us to make sure this outbreak is stopped quickly to avoid it further spreading to sick patients so we have set up an outbreak management team to coordinate our response, which includes additional and intensive cleaning, restricting access to the ward, advising all patients on the ward and providing them with information about treatment and prevention, and ceasing transfer of patients between Ward 4B and other wards,” Dr Maclean said.

No new patients will be admitted to the ward until the isolation conditions are lifted.

The exclusion period is usually 48 hours after the last symptom (vomit or diarrhoea), but the hospital has increased the exclusion period to 72 hours for staff with gastro symptoms as an added precaution.

Royal Darwin Hospital’s phone number is 8922 8888.

For more information on norovirus, go to https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/digestive-health/norovirus.

Media contact: Kirsty Reid 0401 116 203