Four wards at Tauranga Hospital are being closely monitored after a number of patients contracted norovirus.

A total of 22 patients have become ill with the gastroenteritis bug, which has been closely monitored since Monday, September 24.

The four wards affected are Health in Aging, 2A and 2B and 2C.

Of the 22 ill patients, 15 were still experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms on Sunday, with the remainder recovering.

A Tauranga Hospital spokesperson says staff are taking all possible measures to avoid the further spread of the virus.

'We advise the community to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital and to especially avoid bringing children in as visitors where possible.”

Visitors are being asked to follow all hand hygiene advice and other precautions recommended by staff including visiting only one ward.

They should also expect specific restrictions on the visiting of certain wards. Please do not visit patients on the wards if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms in the last 48 hours.

Norovirus causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and is a reasonably common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in the community.

Most cases will resolve without treatment within one to two days, but if symptoms last more than two days, you have difficulty keeping fluids down, your symptoms worsen, or you have any additional symptoms or concerns, please contact Healthline toll-free on 0800 611 116 for health advice.