“We appreciate the cooperation of the public while the visitor restrictions were in place and we also recognize the concerns that the restrictions have raised for family members of some patients,” said Brenda Uhrynuk, NRGH Site Manager.
Restricting visitors has worked to decrease the number of patients with symptoms in hospital from 22 on Friday evening to seven today. The hospital has moved back to the standard guideline of a maximum of two visitors per patient only.
“If you are visiting anyone on precautions please visit that person only and then leave the hospital without stopping to visit other patients, at the cafeteria or the coffee shop,” said Uhrynuk.
All visitors are reminded to practice good hand hygiene, and to use the alcohol based hand rub product when entering and leaving the hospital and when entering and leaving the patient’s room.
We again want to reiterate that if you are not feeling well, do not come to visit. However, if you are well, you are free to visit and please keep your appointments for diagnostic testing or surgical procedures.
Norovirus is highly contagious; up to 50 percent of people exposed go on to develop symptoms. Norovirus causes sudden onset of one or more episodes of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea with or without abdominal pain and tenderness. The incubation period is 24-48 hours, and the illness lasts between one and three days. There is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent Norovirus.
The virus does not start in hospitals, but circulates in the community and is brought into health care facilities from the community. It can be transmitted in any setting such as home, school, the workplace or any place where people gather - so it spreads rapidly in health care facilities.
People who develop gastrointestinal symptoms should remain home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have resolved. Thorough hand washing with soap and warm running water is the most effective way to prevent spread.
Individuals who suspect they may have Norovirus-like symptoms should call their family doctor or the 24-hour BC Health Guide Nurse Line at 8-1-1 for help in determining the nature and urgency of their medical condition In healthy individuals, this type of virus can be managed at home with fluid replacement and rest. If however, a person becomes severely dehydrated, they should seek emergency care.
VIHA has posted a tip sheet on line with information on how to maintain fluid levels to avoid dehydration. The tips apply equally to children and adults. It is available at: www.viha.ca/about_viha/news/publications/rehydration.htm.
More information about Norovirus is available at: www.viha.ca/mho/disease/Norovirus.htm, or through the BC Health Guide Health Files at www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/
Active outbreaks by facility are available at: www.viha.ca/mho/public_health_alerts/active_outbreak_list.htm
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Media contact:
Anya Nimmon
VIHA Communications
250-740-6980