'Tis the Season ...for Norovirus

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  This is the time of the year when  cases of  viral gastroenteritis start to  show up and Northern Health is hoping  visitors to hospitals and health care facilities will do what they can to  help prevent the spread of  the virus.

Throughout B.C. last year, there were  about 370 clusters of gastro intestinal illness; 80 percent of which were confirmed Norovirus cases. In some cases outbreaks resulted in restricted visiting hours and patient isolation, to help control spread of the illness.

“Gastrointestinal illness is quite prevalent in the general community, so it is almost inevitable that patients and staff in some facilities will come down with this highly-contagious virus at some point,” said Dr. David Bowering, chief medical health officer for Northern Health.  “We need the help of visitors to these facilities in limiting the spread of the illness.”

Typically, viral gastroenteritis 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.

Northern Health puts increased infection control measures in place during suspected outbreaks of Norwalk-like virus. Precautions can include increased focus on hand-washing; requesting visitors stay away if they have had symptoms within a 48 hour period, and checking in with nursing staff prior to visiting patients.

Northern Health will advise if any outbreak requires more stringent infection control measures that might impact health services for the general public.

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us