The hospital's acting general manager Graham Dyer confirmed the outbreak from September 9 to 28 when approached by the Daily Liberal.

He reported 10 patients and several staff became ill after catching the norovirus.

Mr Dyer said guidelines for dealing with outbreaks were followed closely with support from a communicable diseases team.

"All affected patients were treated accordingly and symptomatic patients were either allocated to a single room or cohorted in a four-bed room and cared for by designated nurses," he said.

"New admissions to the ward were kept separate from these areas and visitors closely monitored and managed."

The acting general manager outlined measures taken to contain the outbreak including the placement of personal protective equipment "in front of the infected ward".

"It was mandatory for staff entering, including cleaning staff, to use it," he said.

"Extra education was provided around this. Catering staff were not permitted to enter the affected rooms in the ward. Any staff presenting symptoms were instructed to leave work immediately and not return until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea."

Mr Dyer said an infection prevention and control team visited the affected ward twice a day to ensure "all were up to date with the current management of the outbreak".

Late last week the Western NSW NSW Local Health District warned that the peak of the viral gastroenteritis season was approaching.

It revealed 63 outbreaks had occurred in institutions within its boundaries and that of the Far West Local Health District during September.

They included a childcare centre and "healthcare facility" at Dubbo.

A Facebook post prompted the Daily Liberal to approach Dubbo Hospital where Mr Dyer was forthcoming.

"Ten patients were affected by gastroenteritis, as well as several staff members," he said.

"It is difficult to ascertain whether any visitors were affected, however visitors were discouraged in order to decrease the possibility of them contracting it."

Mr Dyer said patients, staff and visitors were warned of the outbreak.

"Signage and information was erected in front of the affected rooms and on both entrances to the ward," he said.

"Information was also available at the front desk for staff and visitors.

"Staff were provided with a fact sheet about norovirus and Infection and Disease Control was available to answer questions and address any concerns.

"Doctors who worked in the affected ward were also contacted and updated on the outbreak.

"Once it was identified that there were increased cases of gastroenteritis in the community, the Population Health Unit provided education to Emergency Department staff and the Dialysis Unit."

On Wednesday afternoon there had been "no recurrences" of norovirus at the hospital.

Dubbo residents are being urged to wash their hands thoroughly and stay home if sick.

Viral gastroenteritis, with symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, occurs when rotavirus and norovirus are circulating in the community, particularly during warmer months.