Prince Albert hospital hit by Norwalk outbreak

An outbreak of the Norwalk virus has struck more than 30 people at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert,prompting the hospital to cancel some surgeries.

The problem started in the palliative care ward and later spread to the surgical ward, causing people to suffer from diarrhea and nausea.

Director of nursing Frank Suchorab said day surgeries will continue, but any procedure requiring an overnight stay has been cancelled.

People entering the hospital are told to use hand disinfectant. Families are allowed to visita patient close to dying, but all other visits are being discouraged.

"We want to ensure the safety of everybody up there," Suchorab said. "So, yes, we are not recommending visits up there at all."

It's the second major outbreak of suspected Norwalk infection in Saskatchewan this month. Last week, 26 people at a health-care facility in Yorkton became ill from the virus.