An outbreak of VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus) outbreak in the C4 East at the St. Catharines General Hospital Site has been declared over today.
An outbreak is declared when the number of hospital-associated cases is higher than what is seen as the normal threshold. There were a total of 13 cases associated with the outbreak.
The VRE outbreak was declared on Wednesday, January 16, 2013.
Douglas Memorial Site’s first floor Medical Unit experiencing enteric outbreak
The Niagara Health System is experiencing an enteric outbreak on the first floor Medical Unit of the Douglas Memorial Site.
Three patients on the Medical Unit have enteric-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The outbreak was declared Monday in conjunction with Niagara Region Public Health. All infection prevention and control measures are in place to control the spread of the infection and bring the outbreak to an end as quickly as possible.
Enteric viruses cause gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms are upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, low grade fever, and chills. 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 illnesses can spread directly from person-to-person, by touching contaminated surfaces, from contaminated food, and other sources.
Media contact:
Rebecca Slavik, 905-378-4647, ext. 43879.
