A ward at Hawke's Bay Hospital is in lockdown to prevent the spread of norovirus.
Photo: Sandy Millar / Hawke's Bay Hospital
Eight patients and seven staff have come down with the highly contagious vomiting and diarrhoea bug.
A 38-bed ward has been put into lockdown as a precaution.
The district health board (DHB) is asking people to stay away from visiting the hospital if they have a stomach bug or flu-like symptoms.
Waiting times may also be extended, as there is more pressure on the hospital.
While there are no confirmed reports of norovirus in the community, a gastro bug is circulating in three early childhood centres across Napier and Hastings.
The DHB has not been able to confirm if this bug is norovirus yet.
Washing hands often with soap and warm water prevents spreading these kinds of bugs.