Four outbreaks have been confirmed by Island Health at multiple healthcare facilities throughout Vancouver Island.
At the top of the list is a confirmed H1N1 influenza outbreak at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. This outbreak was declared on Tuesday, February 24th.
According to HealthLinkBC, this respiratory or Influenza-like illness will bring on symptoms similar to seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, headache and fatigue.
In order to prevent contracting H1N1, people are encouraged to frequently wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.
There are three outbreaks which have been determined to be gastrointestinal or norovirus-like in nature.
Two of the three have been confirmed to be norovirus, at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Chartwell Vista Retirement Community in Esquimalt, while the third outbreak at The Hamlets in Duncan is still pending tests to confirm the specific illness.
All three of these outbreaks were declared in the latter half of February.
According to HealthLinkBC, norovirus outbreaks occur every year.
This virus causes acute gastroenteritis, an infection of the digestive tract—in the stomach and intestine.
Outbreaks are most common in nursing homes, daycare centres, schools, children’s camps and on cruise ships.
Symptoms of norovirus include an upset stomach, vomiting and/or diarrhea, nausea, cramping, chills and fever. HealthLinkBC says that it usually begins suddenly and lasts for one to three days.
For more information on local outbreaks on Vancouver Island, visit Island Health’s “Active Outbreak” webpage.