Norovirus outbreak confirmed at Okotoks care facility
Posted Feb 5, 2014 3:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta Health Services is reporting a Norovirus outbreak at a care facility in Okotoks.
The spread of the illness was confirmed at the Heartland on January 31st.
Nine residents reported various gastrointestinal symptoms.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Judy MacDonald told 660News, it’s easier to recognize outbreaks in long-term care facilities.
“It’s not necessarily that they are more susceptible to having outbreaks, but because it is a closed facility, we can recognize it and do things then at that point to try and prevent further spread,” she said.
This type of illness is not uncommon around this time of year.
“We expect to see Nororvirus that causes symptoms like vomiting, and diarrhea in the wintertime. In fact it used to be called ‘winter vomiting illness’. Although we know now that we can identify it, and that it can occur anytime of the year, but winter tends to be a busier time for it,” MacDonald said.
Officials at the facility are taking measures to prevent more people from getting sick including keeping surfaces clean, isolating sick individuals, and warning visitors not to come to the care home if they are ill.
