March 30, 2009 - Officials at the Health Unit and the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital have declared an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness in the hospital’s long-term care unit.

Admissions, transfers and discharges for the long-term care unit are cancelled until further notice. Visitor restrictions are also in place in this section of the hospital, so relatives and friends are encouraged to call the facility for more information.

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.

The Health Unit reminds the public 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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