Guidelines for the Management of Norovirus Outbreaks in Hospitals and Elderly Care Institutions

Summary

These 2009 guidelines were developed to standardise the approach of public health services, managers and health care workers of hospitals and elderly care facilities in New Zealand to both the investigation and control of institutional norovirus outbreaks.

Outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis are being increasingly recognised in the community and within hospitals and elderly care facilities in New Zealand. The outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis continues to be a significant test of infection control practices in residential and health care facilities. Outbreak management has been defined as the process of anticipating, preventing, preparing for, detecting, responding [to] and controlling outbreaks in order that
health and economic impact is minimised.

Key points

Hand washing – Wash hands well using soap and water and dry thoroughly.

Clean and disinfect surfaces – Norovirus can remain active on surfaces under the right conditions for up-to 2 weeks. It is important that an appropriate cleaning and disinfectant product, that is effective against Norovirus, is used. Following cleaning disinfectant chemicals are applied to surfaces as directed by the manufacturer for the appropriate dwell time (how long a product needs to remain on a cleaned surface to effectively “kill” the pathogen). Personal protective equipment should be worn by persons using the product and storage instructions, including health and safety requirements, followed.

Institutions, schools and Early Learning Centres should rely on well researched evidence-based science and where available, a robust procurement process to ensure that any products chosen or used are fit for purpose, safe and approved for use in New Zealand for the industry the product is intended for.

Outbreak management – limiting exposure to infectious individuals.