Riverside Health Care has confirmed that an outbreak at Rainycrest Long Term Care Home is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which has spread to become a facility-wide outbreak following an increase in RSV activity across the district.
Riverside, in consultation with the Northwestern Public Health Unit, has implemented precautions throughout the home to help protect residents, staff and visitors. As a result, all visitors are required to wear medical masks and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the circumstances.
“There are currently restrictions on admissions, transfers and discharges,” Riverside Health said in a press release. “Large group social activities for residents are paused until further notice.”
“Riverside urges all visitors to conduct self-screenings before entering any Riverside facility. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are kindly asked not to visit at that time. During RSV outbreaks, visits from infants and young children are discouraged, where possible.”
RSV is a very common virus that infects the lungs and airways, usually causing cold‑like symptoms. Most children encounter it by age two, and in healthy older kids and adults it typically stays mild. However, it can become serious in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, sometimes leading to pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, and while there’s no specific cure, supportive care helps most people recover within one to two weeks.
“We would like to acknowledge increased RSV activity in the district and encourage everyone to take appropriate precautions to help keep themselves and others safe and well during this time,” Riverside Health said, adding that its outbreak management team will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside public health authorities.
“The care and safety of our residents, team members, and families remain our top priority. We thank our community for their continued understanding and co-operation.”
