Dawson Creek, B.C. – Rotary Manor in Dawson Creek is off limits to visitors until a wave of gastro intestinal illness subsides.

 

70 people, (residents and staff) at the extended care facility have symptoms of the illness which is highly contagious.

 

Viral gastroenteritis is a common illness that typically peaks between December and March.

 

Symptoms can include:

sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as cramping, chills and fever and should not be confused with influenza, which is primarily a respiratory condition.

 

These symptoms generally last from one to three days. Affected individuals should stay at home and not return to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

 

 

There are several ways to help prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illness

• staying at home if you are not feeling well;

• not returning to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved;

• careful hand washing: wash your hands often, and well. Use warm water and soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Always wash your hands after coughing or blowing your nose, after using the washroom, before eating or preparing food, and after helping someone who isill (such as an ill child).

• disinfecting contaminated surfaces after incidents of vomiting or diarrhea. The organisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness can survive on surfaces, and in some cases can linger in the air for short periods of time before settling on surfaces. Bleach and hydrogen peroxide solutions are the most effective disinfectants to use when cleaning up.

 

Dawson Creek Hospital has just recently received the “all clear” after a round of this virus hit several staff members.

Northern Health communications officer Eryn Collins says an update on the situation will be available tomorrow afternoon.