The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance has declared a rhinovirus outbreak at a local hospital.
The outbreak is on the Inpatient Unit Level 3 at Stratford General Hospital, which is now closed to new admissions for the duration of the outbreak.
Family and Caregiver presence on the unit has been modified. Patients may only have one family caregiver/visitor per day with no in-and-out privileges. Family/caregivers will be required to wear personal protective equipment including mask, eye protection, gown and gloves.
“We’d also like remind our community members to please not visit a patient at any of our hospital sites if you are feeling unwell,” added Erica Jensen, Manager of Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control.
According to statement from the HPPA, rhinovirus is the most frequent cause of the common cold.
"The symptoms of this respiratory infection include fever, cough, increased secretions, chest congestion and vomiting. Most rhinovirus infections are mild, but they can cause severe illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other underlying medical conditions," it said.
