Seaforth Community Hospital has declared a gastrointestinal (gastro) outbreak in the Inpatient Unit.
Gastro, also known as the stomach flu, causes an infection in the stomach and intestines called gastroenteritis and is contagious up to 48 hours after symptoms subside.
"Most individuals with gastro infection will experience one to three days of nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea," said Erica Jensen, Manager of Quality, Patient Safety, and Infection Control. "Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and stomach cramps."
Gastro infections have been linked to outbreaks of vomiting and/or diarrhea in schools, long-term care homes, cruise ships, camps, dormitories, restaurants, households and other places where people gather in groups.
To limit infections, the hospital's Inpatient Unit has been closed to admissions until further notice.
Visitors to the unit are being urged to take precautions.
"In response to the outbreak, we are reminding everyone to clean their hands upon entering and exiting the hospital, patient care areas and patient rooms," said Jensen. "Hand washing is key to stopping the spread of bacteria."
In addition, patients are limited to one visitor at a time between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The hospital warns that there will be no in-and-out privileges.
Patients with symptoms are being isolated and common areas have been restricted. Visitors and caregivers for those patients will be required to wear personal protective equipment.
Any visitors are being reminded that if they aren't feeling well, they should stay away from the hospital for at least two days after their symptoms clear.
"We are working with the Huron Perth Public Health to take all possible steps to stop the transmission, prevent any further infection, maintain bed availability and provide the best care to our patients," Jensen explained.
This gastro infection is not caused by the influenza virus.