Gastrointestinal Outbreak Declared Over at St. Marys Memorial Hospital
July 06, 2023
An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) – St. Marys Memorial Hospital has been declared over. The outbreak had been confirmed on the Inpatient Unit on June 29, 2023.
“The impact on our patients, their families and on our entire health care team during an outbreak is significant,” says Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. “Being able to declare the outbreak over is a testament to our team’s dedication and commitment to ensuring a safe environment and I thank all for their efforts.”
The virus responsible for the outbreak was identified as Norovirus. Norovirus is commonly referred to as the stomach flu and causes an infection in the stomach and intestines. This infection is not caused by the influenza virus.
Norovirus is very contagious and has been linked to outbreaks of vomiting and/or diarrhea in daycares, schools, long-term care homes, cruise ships, camps, dormitories, restaurants, households and other places where people gather in groups.
Visitors are reminded about the importance of handwashing when spending time with their loved ones in a hospital environment and that they should not visit if feeling unwell.
“Handwashing really is key to in helping to prevent the spread of illnesses,” adds Jensen.