Norovirus outbreak in Kamloops expected to be over by Wednesday

Officials believe anasty outbreak of norovirusat a hospital and two seniorcare centres inKamloops has been contained and is nearing its end.

The gastrointestinalillness caused 20 surgeriesto be postponedlast week, but so far none have been affected this week.

"I think we're in the homeward stretch," said Susan Duncan with Interior Health. "By Wednesday, we should be able to say the outbreak is over."

The outbreak affected 36 patients and 27 staff members at the Royal Inland Hospital and Hillside Psychiatric Centre.

Duncan said as of late Friday, Hillside was clear of the illness.

"We are in the waiting period now to see if any new cases are reported."

'Nasty virus'

"Itis a nasty virus. It lives for a long time on hard surfaces and also on contaminated fabric, for up to 12 days," Duncan toldDaybreak Kamloopshost Shelley Joyce.

Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea.

"For a healthy person it's not a problem except you feel terrible for one to two days, but for somebody with a compromised immune system, it can be really difficult," she said.

Duncan saidstaff at the hospital wore gowns and masks to try tostop themselves from getting sick.

"Noroviruscan actually spread through tiny droplets in the air," said Duncan. "And if you get it on your hands and somehow in your mouth,you'll get sick."

Containment

Duncan credits the community for helping contain the virus.

"The community was terrific," said Duncan."They took it to heart that their help was needed and they avoided visiting the hospital and other healthfacilitiesif they could."

She adds that the virus is contagious and it is important for people to stay away from schools, daycares and medical facilities if they don't need to be there to help stop it from spreading.

Prevention

Duncan recommends washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If someone in your home gets sick, she advises cleaning your home using a bleach and water solution.

"Keep that person isolated and, if you can, [don't]use the same bathroom."