Flu outbreak officially over
Bill 2 comes into effect in January, and MCK chiefs say it could have a negative impact on healthcare services in the community. File photo
The influenza outbreak at the Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre (KMHC) has come to an end, with a total of four patients affected since the first case was confirmed on March 19.
The outbreak was officially deemed over on Tuesday.
“All four residents who tested positive for influenza are fully recovered and doing well,” said Robin Guyer, KMHC’s director of nursing and community care. “The outbreak is deemed over when the most recent case of influenza has completed its isolation period. Any new cases of influenza extend the outbreak.”
She said that the fact only four people ended up being infected is proof that the swift measures taken to mitigate risk worked.
“Fighting this outbreak was a group effort and we are so grateful to everyone who took those extra precautions before entering the hospital,” Guyer said.
The official end of the outbreak comes almost two weeks after the first Influenza A. case was declared at the hospital. The outbreak was officially confirmed to the community two days after the first case, at which point visitors and staff were asked to stay away from the long-term care unit if they had symptoms like a sore throat or fever, which could be indicative of the flu.
Units one and two of the long-term care unit were affected, and visitors were asked to wear masks throughout the outbreak to manage the spread. The spread was in line with a spike of Influenza A. cases in the Monteregie region, and so hospital staff were on particularly high alert to monitor any symptoms in patients.
Community members are still advised to be on the lookout for symptoms of the flu, including sudden fever and coughs, sore throats, muscle or joint pain, extreme fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
“There are currently no specific measures in place as precautions,” Guyer said. “However, we always ask that people avoid visiting long-term care if they are sick. By waiting until their symptoms resolve, they can help to prevent any spread of infection.”
