January 5, 2009 - Officials at the Health Unit and Pinewood Court have declared an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness at the long-term care facility located on Walsh Street East.   At this time, the outbreak is contained to the second floor of the facility, within the Kingfisher and Blue Heron units.

Admissions, transfers and discharges to the affected units of the second floor have been cancelled until further notice. Visitor restrictions are in place, so relatives and friends of residents are encouraged to call the facility for more information.

In addition, outbreaks continue at Thunder Bay Interim Long-Term Care as well as in the hospitals in Geraldton and Terrace Bay.    

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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