Norovirus successfully contained at Boundary Hospital, but likely in community
By Erin Perkins
Two confirmed cases of Norovirus, a gastrointestinal virus, were found and quickly contained at the Boundary Hospital in Grand Forks late last week, but residents are warned the virus is still out there.
“Once two or three cases were confirmed, staff initiated precautions to prevent the spread,” said Cindy Crane, acute health administrator for the Boundary Hospital. “Quite frankly (staff) did a great job because they contained it right away.”
Precautions taken by staff included enhanced housekeeping procedures, the wearing of facial protection and the isolation of suspected cases.
Ten Boundary Hospital staff members also exhibited some symptoms of the bug and stayed home for 48 hours until the symptoms went away, said Crane.
Of the 12 suspected cases, only two were confirmed to be the Norovirus.
The virus causes diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. It is spread easily from person to person through the air, on surfaces, food and water touched by an infected person. It can survive up to 12 hours outside of the body on an unwashed surface.
While it may have been found in the hospital, Crane says that means it’s out in the community.
“It is out in the community as well, so it is important to do good hand washing,” said Crane.
If a bug like the Norovirus had not been contained, it could have led to much more severe cases in acute care and cancer patients who have suppressed immune systems, said Crane.
For normal healthy people the virus last between one and three days and doesn’t usually require hospitalization. It is important to drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
For more information about the Norovirus visit Health Link BC at: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile87.stm
