Gastro outbreak at Concord Hospital prompts closure of three wards

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 5 years ago

Gastro outbreak at Concord Hospital prompts closure of three wards

By Jenny Noyes

Sydney's Concord Hospital has closed three wards after 10 patients came down with vomiting and diarrhoea in a suspected outbreak of norovirus.

Three wards have been closed at Concord Hospital in Sydney's inner-west after a gastro outbreak.

Three wards have been closed at Concord Hospital in Sydney's inner-west after a gastro outbreak.Credit: Louie Douvis

A spokeswoman for Sydney Local Health District said the wards "have been closed to further admissions as a precaution after 10 patients became symptomatic with vomiting and diarrhoea".

"The patients have been relocated to single rooms and are undergoing testing for
norovirus."

Up to two patients initially presented with gastroenteritis symptoms on Sunday night and were isolated, testing positive for norovirus, the spokeswoman said.

On Monday, eight more patients came down with the symptoms. The decision to close the wards came on Tuesday morning.

Norovirus is highly contagious and a leading cause of gastroenteritis.

It is spread from the vomit or faeces of an infected person through direct contact, person-to-person contact, contaminated food and objects, and airborne particles when vomiting occurs. Outbreaks are more common in winter.

While the illness is usually mild, it can be more severe in older people, or people with underlying medical conditions.

Good hand hygiene – meaning washing hands thoroughly using soap and running water for at
least 10 seconds before drying with a clean towel – is key to preventing its spread.

Staff at Concord Hospital are taking additional precautions to minimise the risk of the virus spreading, the spokeswoman said.

Most Viewed in National

Loading