A spokesperson for Hunter New England Health said strict infection control measurers were adopted to minimise further spread throughout the hospital.

The outbreak has now been contained and the medical ward open to new patients and visitors, the spokesperson said.

“People who have had gastroenteritis in the past few days should not visit family or friends in hospital or aged care homes to avoid further spread of the virus to patients or staff,” the spokesperson said.

Gastroenteritis is highly infectious. It is spread through direct contact with an infected person or indirect contact via contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. The symptoms usually last between one and three days.

“The most effective way of avoiding gastroenteritis is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before handling and eating food,” the spokesperson said.

“You should also always wash your hands after using the toilet.”

Outbreaks of gastroenteritis occur throughout the year. Cases are more common during winter and early spring. This year more cases are being recorded in spring.