Gastro outbreak at hospital

Patients and staff at Woy Woy Hospital have been affected by a gastroenteritis outbreak that started on April 11.

According to Central Coast Health, 14 patients and three members of staff at Woy Woy Hospital have been affected.

The same outbreak affected 14 patients and seven members of staff at Gosford Hospital.

Gosford Hospital's general manager, Mr Ken Cahill, said staff at both hospitals were working with Central Coast Health's Infection Control and Public Health Unit to manage the illness and prevent its spread.

"The illness has been contained to the general ward at Woy Woy Hospital and to two wards in Gosford Hospital," he said.

"Access to the affected wards has been restricted to prevent further spread."

Public relations officer for Central Coast Health, Mr Terry Hayes, said the characteristics of the outbreak reflected similar characteristics to gastroenteritis currently occurring within the Central Coast community.

"Gastroenteritis outbreaks occur from time to time in communities and have a tendency to occur in winter.

"There are about 4.6 million cases per year in Australia."

The illness is caused by a virus and is most often transmitted via direct contact with an infected person.

The most common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, and sometimes fever.

"There are some simple things that can be done to reduce the risk of getting or spreading gastro which include hand washing before handling food and before eating, hand washing after toilet use and children who have gastro should stay home until symptoms have stopped," he said.

"People with gastro should rest and increase the amounts of fluids they drink.

"In some cases, medication and hospitalisation may be required.

"Infants, young children and the elderly should seek medical attention."

For more information about gastroenteritis, concerned people can talk to their doctor or contact the Central Coast Public Health Unit on 4349 4845 during business hours or see the NSW Health Department's website www.health.nsw.gov.au under Common Health Topics

Press release, April 15