The Almonte General Hospital remains closed to visitors to limit the spread of a gastroenteritis outbreak reported by the local health unit on May 15.

The hospital, located about 50 kilometres south-west of Ottawa in the town of Almonte, closed its doors to visitors a week ago when an outbreak was reported in the surgical unit.

A report issued by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit on May 15 stated the cause of the outbreak was unknown, but said it was intestinal in nature.

A follow-up report issued Friday May 19, confirmed the outbreak was norovirus.

The health unit did not say how many patients have come down with the virus, which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Symptoms can last for up to three days.

On Monday, hospital staff said they're expecting an update from the public health unit this week.

Until then, the hospital remains closed to visitors to limit contamination.

Earlier this year, a norovirus outbreak also closed a section of the Queensway Carleton Hospital.