A spokesperson for St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver says two units have been put on alert due to a Norwalk virus outbreak. It is contained to those two units.
It is estimated there are about seven people affected.
The hospital officially declared the outbreak at 5 p.m. and although family members and friends can still visit patients in the two units, they will need to wear a protective suit and mask to do so.
Norwalk-like viruses are common but are also easily spread.
The virus can be spread by food, water or ice that has been handled by someone with the virus. Vomiting can spread the virus through the air, and it can survive on surfaces for a long time.
Get breaking National news
Victoria is also dealing with a Noro-like virus. The outbreak was first declared at Victoria General Hospital when a number of patients fell ill in one unit. Now it’s turned up in nearly half-a-dozen care homes around the city.
“Typically it starts off quite sudden with a bang,” says Dr. Dee Hoyano, VIHA medical health officer. “So all of a sudden you feel sick, you’re vomiting, often quite a number of vomiting episodes, and then often followed by the diarrhea. So it can be a pretty nasty bug to have.”
An outbreak was also declared on a unit at Victoria General Hospital when six patients became ill earlier this week.
Officials are asking anyone who thinks they may be suffering from the virus to call 811 or their doctors before seeking emergency care as the virus is highly contagious.
WATCH: Victoria deals with virus outbreak:
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.