By James Peters

Norovirus outbreak nearing its end at Royal Inland Hospital

Feb 6, 2019 | 10:17 AM

KAMLOOPS — A norovirus outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital appears to have run its course.

During the height of the gastrointestinal outbreak last week, four wards at the hospital were closed to admissions.

Interior Health spokesperson Susan Duncan says that is now down to one. 

“At Royal Inland Hospital, the outbreak is improving and all units are open to admission except for one ward that we’re just keeping on outbreak management at this time,” said Duncan.

The outbreak also hit nearby Hillside Psychiatric Centre, and Duncan says more than 75 people fell victim.

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“Including Hillside Psychiatric Centre and the four wards in the hospital, about 40 patients and 38 staff had symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness,” said Duncan.

There’s no word on the continuing severity of the viral outbreak in two community-based seniors facilities that also reported outbreaks — Pinegrove Lodge and Berwick on the Park.

Duncan says this is the worst gastrointestinal outbreak in recent memory.

“Usually it might be a ward, but it’s kind of unusual to have four wards. This was a particularly nasty virus but our housekeeping staff and nursing staff did a great job in bringing it under control quickly.”