A GASTRO outbreak has hit Ballarat Health Service's Hailey House, with 25 residents and 14 staff affected by the Noravirus bug.Strict visitor restrictions have been in place at the Ballarat North hostel since last week.BHS nursing services executive director Geraldine Webster said all but one staff member and three residents were now symptom free."The remainder of those affected are recovering after being isolated and receiving treatment," Ms Webster said."BHS activated our infection control plan immediately after detecting the first symptoms of gastroenteritis to reduce the spread of the illness at the hostel."Signs on the hostel door warn visitors of the gastro outbreak, and inform them of visitor restrictions."All affected staff have been excluded from working at Hailey House for 48 hours following the cessation of symptoms," Ms Webster said."BHS will continue to monitor the condition of all residents and work with our infection control consultant, general practitioners, the Department of Human Services and Commonwealth Aged and Community Care until all affected staff and residents are fully recovered."BHS staff physician Dr James Hurley, who is also on the hospital's infection control committee, said gastro spread quickly in a communal living setting."The elderly also tend to be more susceptible," Dr Hurley said, adding some medications also made people more vulnerable to the illness.He said the Noravirus bug was a particularly hardy virus, which required a chlorine type bleach for disinfection purposes.Measures to try to prevent getting the virus include washing your hands after toileting and avoiding food that's been left in the fridge too long, particularly chicken and rice that has been cooled and reheated.Hailey House, in Norman St, is a low-care hostel which caters for 60 residents. Visitor restrictions are expected to be lifted shortly.