Breaking News
Outbreak of gastro hits East Wing
Kelly Robinson
19 April 2008
MANLY Hospital's East Wing inpatient unit was in lockdown for 10 days after a severe outbreak of gastroenteritis ripped through the ward.
The mental health unit, including the aged-care psychiatric section, was closed to admissions from Tuesday, April 8 to Thursday, April 17.
Both patients and staff were affected and patients were confined to the unit for the 10 days to stop infection spreading through the hospital.
A Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service spokeswoman said patients who needed to be admitted after the clampdown were directed to hospitals within the health service boundaries.
She could not reveal how many people had been affected.
``A number of patients and staff have had gastroenteritis. Exact figures are not available,'' she said.
``The outbreak of gastroenteritis within the hospital has been contained within the East Wing Mental Health Unit at Manly Hospital.''
The spokeswoman said gastroenteritis was more common in winter.
``Outbreaks are routinely notified to public health authorities and the number notified from the northern beaches recently is not above expected background levels,'' she said. ``Gastroenteritis is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces and contaminated food and drink.
``Residents are always advised to keep high levels of hygiene. The best way to reduce this risk of contracting gastroenteritis is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 10 seconds before eating or handling food and after using the toilet.''
Gastroenteritis symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, muscle aches, dehydration, headache and fever.
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