Notice of Gastrointestinal Outbreak
by Marcello Bernardo
Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre (the Hospital) in consultation with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has declared a gastrointestinal outbreak on the Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit at Hogarth Riverview Manor – Willow Unit. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.
People who may be more susceptible are young children and older adults. There is no effective treatment, so prevention is key. During this outbreak period, the following precautionary measures are in place to ensure that the health and protection of Hospital patients and staff is maintained:
- No visitors except the Care Partner;
- No children to visit the unit during this outbreak period.
Both the TBDHU and the Hospital, in partnership with its Patient Family Centered Care Council, wish to remind the public to prevent getting and spreading infections by:
- Washing hands often, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Staying home and avoiding visits to the Hospital, or any other health care facility, if experiencing any signs of gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea).
The community’s cooperation is appreciated.
