Norovirus cases in Hawke's Bay are continuing to rise, with eight reported outbreaks across the region.
Photo: AFP
A ward at Hastings Hospital has been locked down for several days as nine patients and nine staff have the virus.
There are also seven outbreaks centred on childcare centres across Napier and Hastings.
Symptoms include a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, usually lasting for 24 hours.
Hawke's Bay District Health Board said thorough hand washing would help prevent the spread of the bug.