The norovirus outbreak in North Otago since the beginning of this month appears to have abated, but people are still being warned to remain vigilant and follow precautions.
No new cases have been reported at Oamaru Hospital since the middle of last week.
Patients had been treated for suspected gastroenteritis complaints and isolated as a precaution to prevent any cross-infection, nursing-quality co-ordinator, Dawn Kidd, said.
Asked if that meant the norovirus outbreak was over, Mrs Kidd said: "Touch wood.
But it's nasty and can rear its head again."
Oamaru Hospital was keeping its handwashing stations in place and she said people should still take precautions, including washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds.
However, there was also some campylobacter around at the moment, common at this time of the year with barbecues and camping.
The same precautions applied - hand-washing and good food hygiene - to avoid it.
