Virus at Waiouru Army Camp

A number of military and civilian persons have become ill from a suspected viral gastroenteritis at Waiouru Army Camp this week.

As of today 48 people presented with symptoms of the illness and are being treated by the Waiouru Medical facility. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea which may last up to 48 hours.

Samples from infected persons have been sent to the ESR laboratory for analysis and results are expected back tomorrow.

Director General Defence Medical Services Brigadier Anne Campbell says the situation is being monitored carefully by the NZ Army

“We are ensuring a number of steps are being taken to manage the virus including an increased vigilance on hygiene standards and the close-down of communal areas in the camp such as the pool, gymnasium, messes and library as a precaution.”

Persons that are no longer unwell with the virus are being referred to confinement barracks where they are required to be quarantined for a 36-hour symptom-free period before resuming duties.

Defence is working jointly with Wanganui Public Health Unit to investigate and manage this outbreak. Although the actual virus causing the outbreak is yet to be confirmed, the control measures that need to be put in place are the same for all outbreaks of suspected viral gastroenteritis, says Dr Jill McKenzie, Medical Officer of Health.

Public Health are confident that all appropriate measures are being taken to stop further spread of the virus at Waiouru and are continuing to work closely with medical and administrative staff at the camp.