Outbreaks at two Swift Current, Sask. health facilities

SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. – The Cypress Health Region has confirmed outbreaks at two health care facilities in Swift Current, Sask.

Thirteen residents at the Palliser Regional Care Centre have shown signs and symptoms of norovirus. The illness has been confirmed at the centre. Visitors are restricted and infection control measures are in place, according to the health region.

Four patients at Med/Surg Unit #2 at the Cypress Regional Hospital have also shown signs and symptoms of an “enteric illness.”

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Dr. David Torr, medical health officer at the Cypress Health Region, has declared a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the unit. Visitation is only restricted for that unit, which has been isolated from other areas of the hospital to help prevent the illness from spreading.

Samples are being collected and the Saskatchewan Disease Control Labratory will confirm the nature of the illness.

The health region said there has been an increase in community gastrointestinal illness lately based on calls to the health region, physicians and emergency room visits.