Norovirus hits Peninsula, Esquimalt health care sites: Island Health<\/p>\n
Published 8:38 am Wednesday, February 25, 2026<\/p>\n
At a time when everyone\u2019s talking about their holiday illnesses or seasonal allergies, four Island Health sites are under illness alerts. <\/p>\n
Island Health posts its outbreak list, updating it weekdays. <\/p>\n
In Greater Victoria, Chartwell Vista Retirement Community in Esquimalt has been dealing with norovirus since Feb. 17 \u2013 localized to the long-term care on the second floor. <\/p>\n
Saanich Peninsula Hospital is likewise listed as showing norovirus since Feb. 23. <\/p>\n
Specific testing is pending with a norovirus-like illness showing Feb. 24 in the second-floor Camas Unit of The Hamlets at Duncan Residence. <\/p>\n
READ ALSO: Micro grants of love: Victoria grassroots charity funds youth building community<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: Victoria\u2019s blossoms help make Island ideal destination for \u2018adult spring break\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n READ ALSO: 2025 starts with worry, trepidation, ends in optimism for downtown Victoria<\/a><\/p>\n Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis or the stomach flu. This is not influenza or the flu, which is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, according to Island Health. Outbreaks occur every year and are common in long-term care homes, daycare centres, schools, hospitals and on cruise ships.<\/p>\n The virus can be spread among people if they do not wash their hands or if someone with this illness handles food, water or ice. Norovirus can also be found in the vomit and diarrhea of people who are sick. Symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours after exposure and most people recover in two or three days.<\/p>\n Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is listed for influenza H1N1 since Feb. 24. <\/p>\n The active outbreak list is updated weekdays, with facilities removed from the list<\/a> when an outbreak is declared over.<\/p>\n