NEWS RELEASE
HURON PERTH HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE
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The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – Seaforth Community Hospital has declared a gastrointestinal (gastro) outbreak on the Inpatient Unit.
“In response to the outbreak, we are reminding everyone to clean their hands upon entering and exiting the hospital, patient care areas and patient rooms,” says Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. “Hand washing is key to stopping the spread of bacteria.”
Gastro, also known as the stomach flu, causes an infection in the stomach and intestines called gastroenteritis. This infection is not caused by the influenza virus.
“Most individuals with gastro infection will experience one to three days of nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea,” adds Jensen. “Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and stomach cramps.”
Gastro infections have been linked to outbreaks of vomiting and/or diarrhea in schools, long term care homes, cruise ships, camps, dormitories, restaurants, households and other places where people gather in groups. A person who is ill with a gastro infection is most often able to spread the virus up to 48 hours
after the symptoms subside.
The unit is now closed to admissions until further notice.
Family and Caregiver presence on the unit has been modified. Patients may only have one family caregiver/visitor per day, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with no in-and-out privileges.
Family/caregivers visiting infected patients will be required to wear personal protective equipment and must use the hand sanitizer provided to wash their hands upon leaving the patient’s room. Patients with symptoms are being isolated and common areas have been restricted.
“We are working with the Huron Perth Public Health to take all possible steps to stop the transmission, prevent any further infection, maintain bed availability and provide the best care to our patients,” concludes Jensen.
Visitors are also reminded that if they aren’t feeling well, they should postpone their visit to at least 48 hours after symptoms clear.
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