Although the restricted access for visitors to the Continuing Care Unit at La Verendrye hospital here may not be lifted until after the weekend, the now-confirmed Norwalk virus afflicting some patients there appears to be under control.
“Our numbers are decreasing,” Mary King, occupational health co-ordinator for Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc., said Thursday.
“But we’re still maintaining restricted access at the Continuing Care Unit,” she added. “We’ll do that until we’re symptom-free for at least 48 hours.”
King would not say how many people have been affected by the gastrointestinal virus which first became evident Sunday, but did note it has been contained to the CCU.
Public health inspector Brian Norris said the samples sent for testing Monday have since come back confirming the presence of the Norwalk virus in some of the patients.
The Outbreak Management Team and staff at La Verendrye would like to thank the community for their patience during this restriction on visiting.
Any updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
A Norwalk-like virus closed Rainycrest Home for the Aged here to visitors for almost two weeks in late January and early February.
Symptoms of the Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. The standard recovery time for victims of the gastroenteritis virus is two days.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
