Gastrointestinal Outbreak
by Communications
Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre (Hospital) in consultation with Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has declared a gastrointestinal outbreak on the Hospital’s medical unit 2A. 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 the outbreak, the following precautionary measures are in place to ensure the health and protection of Hospital patients and staff:
- No visitors except the support care giver;
- No children to visit the unit.
The Patient Family Advisor (PFA) Council was consulted and unanimously support these precautionary measures. Both the TBDHU and the Hospital 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.
