By James Peters

Norovirus outbreak spreads further through Kamloops health facilities

Jan 31, 2019 | 2:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — The outbreak of a gastrointestinal bug in Kamloops health facilities is growing.

Interior Health says four separate facilities in Kamloops are now reporting outbreaks.

In addition to Royal Inland Hospital and Hillside Psychiatric Centre — which were identified yesterday — Pinegrove Lodge and Berwick on the Park are reporting outbreaks as well.

Interior Health spokesperson Susan Duncan says a fourth ward at RIH has been hit as well, meaning the illness is affecting 4-North, 5-South, 5-North and 7-North — all medical units.

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A total of 31 patients and 26 staff have experienced symptoms between RIH and Hillside.

Duncan says IH believes the highly contagious bug is norovirus.

“Specimens have been tested by the BC Centre for Disease Control, and the ones that have come back have tested positive for norovirus, which is a particularly virulent stomach illness,” said Duncan.

After 13 surgeries were postponed Thursday, another seven procedures have been scrubbed on Friday.

Duncan says they are being cancelled to ensure RIH has the capacity to admit emergency patients if needed.

As for the four affected medical wards at the hospital, Duncan says they are not under quarantine, but patient movement is limited.

“Patients on those wards who are waiting for admission to long term care or assisted living facilities won’t be transferred until the outbreak is over,” said Duncan. “People are able to visit people on those wards, but we do suggest that they might want to postpone that visit, and there is a sign at the entrance indicating that there is an outbreak.”

Cleaning efforts have been stepped up at the affected facilities, and Duncan says that will continue while the virus runs its course.

“People infected with norovirus usually get better within a few days, so we are going to continue with enhanced housekeeping with a heavy duty focus on patient rooms and bathrooms and frequently touched areas. Staff will continue to wear gowns, gloves and facial protection when working with patients,” said Duncan.

“We really want people to practice good hand hygiene: washing with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” she added. “And for goodness sake, stay home if you have these symptoms, and don’t come out again until about 48 hours after your last symptom.”