The last ward at Tauranga Hospital closed by the norovirus outbreak is due to reopen today.

Four wards were closed due to an outbreak of the highly contagious viral gastroenteritis bug earlier this week.

A Tauranga Hospital spokesperson says they hope to clear and open the remaining closed ward today.

The outbreak is now under control and wards 2b, 2c and Health in Aging have since been reopened.

Tauranga Hospital Coordinator Julie Williams says on Monday the hospital had six active cases of norovirus and on Wednesday there was one definite case and one possible case.

A total of nine hospital staff reported having diarrhoea and vomiting at the weekend.

'It is not known whether they contracted the virus here or in the community, as at least one of those staff members has not been working in an affected ward.

'Over recent days Tauranga Hospital and staff have been taking all possible measures to avoid the further spread of Norovirus.”

The outbreak of the stomach bug was reported on Sunday afternoon when a total of 22 patients were reported to have the symptoms of the bug, including vomiting and diarrhoea.

If visiting Tauranga Hospital people are asked to wash their hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet.

People who have had vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms in the last 48 hours are asked not to visit the hospital.

If visiting is absolutely necessary, please follow all hand hygiene advice and other precautions recommended by staff including visiting only one ward.

Expect specific restrictions on the visiting of certain wards.

If you have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 48 hours, please call the number on your appointment card and a new appointment time will be made for you.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS:

*Stay home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

*Wash hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet, after changing a nappy and before handling food.

*Clean hard surfaces, toys, bathrooms and utensils as they can become contaminated with the virus, which survives outside the body.

*Wash dirty clothing in hot water and rinse separately from the rest of the laundry.

*If symptoms last more than two days or you have difficulty keeping fluids down, contact your GP or contact Healthline toll-free on 0800 611 116 for advice.