Virus blamed for funeral service sickness

Norovirus may have been the cause of nearly 30 people getting sick after a funeral service.

South Canterbury medical officer of health Daniel Williams said Community and Public Health staff investigated an outbreak of a gastroenteritis illness when they were notified on November 11, which was a few days after the funeral service.

The Timaru District Council also investigated the outbreak in case it was food-related but that was later ruled out as not everyone had eaten, Dr Williams said.

"[Norovirus] would be the most likely bug that would infect a large number of people. Norovirus can be spread by people in the same room or people breathing over food."

He said gastric outbreaks were sometimes reported by a member of the public or by their GP, but there were many times when this did not happen.

Norovirus is transmitted hand-to-mouth, with an incubation period of 24 to 28 hours. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever, muscle aches, and headache.

Dr Williams advised anyone with a tummy bug to avoid large gatherings and preparing food for others.

- © Fairfax NZ News