Norovirus outbreak declared at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay

Visitor restrictions have been put in place after a suspected norovirus outbreak was declared at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ont.

The hospital says since March 1, six patients and more than a dozen health-care providers on the medical unit have become ill with symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and headache.

The outbreak was declared on Wednesday by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit.  Norovirus has an incubation period of two to three days. People are contagious as long as their symptoms persist.

“We recognize the important role visitors play in our patients’ healing and recovery,” said Anne Overhoff, vice-president of patient care and chief nursing officer. “We regret having to restrict visitors on the medical unit, but it’s important that we prevent the spread of these germs, not only to our patients and staff but to visitors and the community.”

The hospital is attempting to control the spread of the illness including heightened attention to personal protective equipment (PPE) and special cleaning procedures.

“Patients will not be admitted to the medical unit, nor will patients be transferred from the unit unless clinically required,” the hospital stated.

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The hospital says limiting the number of people walking through the medical unit is an important step.

“By taking these steps, we hope to resolve this outbreak as quickly as possible,” said Overhoff.

The hospital encourages patients’ families to call or send emails to tlc@rmh.org. Emails are hand delivered every weekday.