PGRH Treating Two Serious Respiratory Cases

By 250 News

Northern Health is taking measures to treat to treat two individuals admitted to Prince George Regional Hospital with serious respiratory illnesses and reduce the spread of this bacteria among family contacts and hospital staff.

The two people sick are infected with Group A Streptococcal bacteria.  Although the bacteria are a common cause of relatively minor infections such as sore throats, at times, they can become invasive and lead to more serious diseases including pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, or meningitis.

"There is no increased risk to the general public in relation to these cases. Public Health and hospital staff have provided antibiotics to more than 40 staff and family contacts to reduce any potential for further spread of an invasive disease," says Dr. David Bowering, chief medical health officer.

Dr. Bowering points out its peak influenza season.  "We continue to recommend influenza vaccinations for people at risk.
This includes anyone aged 65 and older, people with chronic illnesses, first responders, health care professionals, children from six to 23 months of age, and others. We’re asking them to call their local health unit or a family physician, as this immunization can still protect them for the remainder of this influenza season."

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