January 5, 2009 - The Health Unit, in conjunction with facility officials, has declared facility-wide outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness at both The McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay and Thunder Bay Interim Long Term Care (James Street South).

In addition, the outbreak at the John Owen Evans Residence, a long-term care facility located in the Geraldton District Hospital, continues.  

As a result of the outbreak status, admissions, transfers, discharges, visitation and social activities have been cancelled in each of the three facilities. Relatives and friends of residents may call the nursing station for more information.

Due to this increase in gastrointestinal illness, the Health Unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable; young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.  Individuals are contagious during the active part of the illness (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) as well as up to several days after symptoms are gone.

The Health Unit reminds you to prevent getting and spreading infections by:

• washing your hands frequently, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using a hand sanitizer.
• staying at home if you are ill to avoid spreading infections to others.

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