Wash them once, Wash them twice, help to keep that virus from taking flight

The Norovirus arrived in Rupert over the last few weeks with a number of outbreaks at Acropolis Manor and the extended care floor of the Prince Rupert Hospital, resulting in some extra precautions in place to try to keep the bugs at bay.

Northern Health posted the advisory on its website on February 8th, advising that their recommendations will remain in effect until the outbreak is declared over.

With an influx of visitors to the city for the All Native Basketball Tournament this week, the timing probably couldn’t be any worse for an outbreak of the illness that results in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as cramping, chills and fever.

In order to try to keep the problem from growing worse, extensive hand washing with soap and warm water is being recommended for visitors to the facilities affected as well as a request that those with symptoms refrain from visiting friends or family in the hospital until they feel better, the Daily News featured details of the outbreak in the Friday edition of the paper.

NOROVIRUS FLARES AT HOSPITAL
The Daily News
Friday, February 09, 2007
Page Three

An outbreak of norovirus at Acropolis Manor and the hospital’s extended care unit prompted an increase in infection control measures at the facilities.

“This is the peak season for gastrointestinal illness,” said Dr. David Bowering, chief medical health officer.

“Facility staff members are taking extra precautionary measures to prevent further spread, but we’re also asking the public to help with infection controls as the disease has been prevalent in the general community.”

To date, there have been eight cases of the illness in the extended care unit at the hospital which have been confirmed as norovirus by the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. There are also three suspected cases at Acropolis and samples from residents are being tested.

Norovirus is a common illness that can cause sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as cramping, chills and fever. These symptoms generally last from one to three days.

Northern Health is asking visitors to either facility to help control the spread of the virus by washing their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after using the washroom and before eating or preparing food.

Those who have had nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in the last 48 hours are asked not to visit the facilities.

On Jan. 11, eight residents and six staff came down with a gastrointestinal virus at the North Peace Care Centre in Fort St. John. On Jan. 10, 30 residents and 25 staff were afflicted with the virus at The Pines long term care facility in Burns Lake. As well, back on Dec. 19, the virus flared in Quesnel’s G.R. Baker Hospital, where 15 cases were identified.