An enteric outbreak at the Niagara Health System’s Extended Care Unit of the Welland Site has been declared over, effective today.
The enteric outbreak was declared on the Extended Care Unit on January 3, 2012. An outbreak is declared over when there are no new cases and the number of cases has returned to the baseline level.
Throughout the outbreak period, the NHS’s Infection Prevention and Control team worked closely with the larger NHS healthcare team as well as with Niagara Region Public Health.
“Thank you to our staff, physicians and volunteers for working together to ensure patients received the best possible care while also managing the heightened infection prevention and control measures,” says Dr. Sue Matthews, Interim President and CEO of the Niagara Health System.
“Thank you also to the public for its patience and understanding during this time,” says Dr. Matthews. “Enteric outbreaks are very common this time of year, and good hand hygiene continues to be the best defense to prevent the spread of this type of infection in the community and in the hospital.”
Enteric outbreaks cause gastrointestinal illness. Main symptoms are vomiting and/or diarrhea. The illness usually begins suddenly and the person may feel very sick. Symptoms last for 24 to 48 hours in a healthy individual, but it can take longer for some people.
Enteric outbreaks can spread directly from person-to-person, by touching contaminated surfaces, from contaminated food, and other sources.
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