12 October 2007

Hunter New England Health is requesting that members of the Warialda community temporarily avoid visiting the Warialda Community Hospital due to an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the community.

Some long stay aged care residents have contracted the infection so the hospital has put strict infection control measures in place to minimise the risk of infection in other patients, and is asking the community to support their efforts.

Gastroenteritis is generally spread by contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces or hands.

Visitors are being asked to delay their visit to reduce the chances of further spread. Family members needing to visit patients and residents at the hospital should notify staff on arrival. They will be asked to clean their hands with alcohol gel provided by the hospital.

The health service requests that only essential visits are made to the hospital at this time to minimise the spread of infection.

People needing to attend the Emergency Department should present to the hospital in the usual manner.

Facts on gastroenteritis:

• Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and muscle aches.

• Symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer.

• Dehydration often follows bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea, therefore people with gastroenteritis should rest and increase the amount of fluids they drink

• The most effective way to avoid viral gastroenteritis is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands after using the toilet. Dry your hands well after washing.

Contact: Kay Cope

Phone: 6776 9817