FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2005
Influenza Outbreak Over at Roseview Manor
Officials at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit report that Roseview Manor is no longer under an outbreak notice.
The Long-Term Care Home began restrictions on March 2nd due to an outbreak of influenza. In total, during the course of the outbreak, 41 individuals were affected.
Visitation has resumed. Transfers, discharges and admissions are now taking place.
The Health Unit reminds the public not to visit others when they are feeling ill. Individuals who have not received their flu shot are encouraged to take precautions during flu season, to protect those who may be most severely affected by influenza. Those with a fever should stay home and isolate themselves to avoid the potential spread of disease.
Washing hands frequently and properly will also help stop the spread of viruses.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2005
Influenza Outbreak Over at Dawson Court
Officials at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit report that Dawson Court is no longer under an outbreak notice. The notice was lifted on March 16th.
The Long-Term Care Home began restrictions on February 28th, due to an outbreak of influenza. In total, during the course of the outbreak, 22 individuals were affected.
Visitation has resumed. Transfers, discharges and admissions are now taking place.
The Health Unit reminds the public not to visit others when they are feeling ill. Individuals who have not received their flu shot are encouraged to take precautions during flu season, to protect those who may be most severely affected by influenza. Those with a fever should stay home and isolate themselves to avoid the potential spread of disease.
Washing hands frequently and properly will also help stop the spread of viruses.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2005
Versa Care Centre Outbreak Has Ended
Officials at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Versa Care Centre declared an end to the outbreak of Influenza A at the long-term care home that began February 25th. A total of 47 people became ill during the course of the outbreak.
Visitor restrictions have ended. Transfers, discharges and admissions have resumed.
Dawson Court and Roseview Manor remain under outbreak notice.
The Health Unit reminds the public not to visit others or attend school or work when they are feeling ill. Those with influenza-like symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills, body aches and pains should stay home and isolate themselves to avoid the potential spread of disease.
Washing hands frequently and properly will also help stop the spread of viruses.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2005
Grandview Enteric Outbreak Ends
The enteric outbreak at Grandview Lodge has ended. No new cases have appeared in the last 48 hours.
Visitor restrictions have been lifted and discharges, admissions and transfers will resume.
However, due to reports of infectious disease activity throughout the community, over the next week, the facility is implementing some additional precautions such as keeping group activities to minimum and limiting visits to families.
Officials also remind families of residents of the importance of not visiting if they are sick. People with colds, fevers and even those who are just beginning to feel ill should stay home and delay visits until they are well.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit continues to monitor Influenza A outbreaks at Versa Care Centre, Dawson Court and Roseview Manor.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2005
Opportunities Expand for Tobacco Free Sports
In keeping with the saying "The best offense is a great defense!", sports groups in the community are now being given a chance to join the effort to promote Tobacco Free Sports. The message is that 'Promoting physical activity without tobacco is a great way to demonstrate to our youth that tobacco is NOT a normal part of growing up.'
"Self confidence/self esteem and a healthy lifestyle seem to go hand to hand. As a hockey coach, I firmly believe that this goal can be achieved on the ice and, just as importantly, away from the arena," says Larry, a coach for Nor West 11AA Minor Hockey team. "I have found that along with self confidence comes a reduction in the 'peer pressure' from others which often leads to behaviours, such as tobacco usage, that are detrimental to their health."
"Research shows that 9 out of 10 smokers began smoking while in their teens," explains Susan Trevisan, a public health nurse working in the Youth Tobacco Use Prevention Program. "As a community we have a responsibility to help youth make healthy lifestyle decisions. Part of growing up for many youth is being part of a team or club where they participate in fitness activities and develop important social networks which influence their behaviour."
Cigarettes aren't the only target. Peer pressure to belong or fit in may be the reason for an increasing trend by youth to use smokeless tobacco. Trevisan points out "Youth don't realize that the ingredients in this product are just as toxic as cigarettes and the high levels of nicotine harms their athletic performance immediately."
The Tobacco Free Sports campaign is running in both the city and district and is put on by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit in partnership with the Lakehead University Athletics department. In the fall of 2004, Lakehead University Thunderwolves recognized their influence as role models in the community and implemented a 'tobacco free sports' policy for all of their athletes which addresses all tobacco, including smokeless tobacco.
Billboards with LU Athletes are up around the city. Radio ads will also promote the message in district towns. A list on the Health Unit web site (www.tbdhu.com) will show those organizations that have a 'tobacco free sports' policy. The first 25 coaches to submit their policy will receive a t-shirt.
The campaign also provides an opportunity to let the individual athletes demonstrate their support by pledging to be 'tobacco free'. Forms are available online or by calling the Health Unit. These athletes will receive an ID tag celebrating 'tobacco free sports'. Over 5000 tags are expected to be distributed in the district of Thunder Bay in coming months.
Parents and coaches can get more information on Tobacco Free Sports at the health unit website www.tbdhu.com .
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2005
Outbreak Limits Visitation To Grandview Lodge Residents
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is investigating a gastrointestinal outbreak at Grandview Lodge Home for the Aged. At this time, ten residents and three staff have been affected with symptoms of diarrhea. This outbreak has resulted in the closure of the facility to visitors, volunteers and special programming.
Discharges, transfers and admissions are cancelled. Friends and family are encouraged to call the care unit if they are concerned about a resident.
While other recent outbreaks in long-term care facilities have been identified as Influenza A, a respiratory disease, this particular illness has been determined as intestinal. Samples have been sent to the Public Health Lab to establish the source of the illness.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reminds the public that washing hands frequently, as well as staying at home when feeling ill can help to prevent the spread of disease.
One hundred and fifty people live in the facility at 200 Lillie Street North.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2005
Influenza A Confirmed at Roseview Manor Long-Term Care Facility
Officials at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Roseview Manor have confirmed an outbreak of Influenza A at the long-term care home. This is the fourth long-term care home to be affected by an influenza outbreak this year.
Tight infection control measures have been put into place. Visitor restrictions have been implemented. Admissions, transfers and discharges have been put on hold.
Family members who are concerned about residents are encouraged to phone the nursing station to pass on messages.
The Health Unit reminds the public not to visit others when they are feeling ill. Those with influenza-like symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, chills, body aches and pains should stay home to avoid the potential spread of disease.
Washing hands frequently as well as staying at home when feeling ill can help to prevent the spread of the virus.
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