Hospital in BC reports outbreak of norovirus in three young patients

A district children's hospital reported an outbreak of norovirus, saying three of its patients had shown signs of the disease last week and had given a positive result.

Officials from the Pediatric Center HSC, formerly of the Hospital for Sick Children, said they were working closely with the health department to combat the spread of the virus, which causes symptoms commonly associated with intestinal flu.

Nathaniel Beers, president of the HSC Health Care System, which includes the hospital located in northeastern Washington, has not announced any additional cases since 72 hours Sunday afternoon. All are monitored for signs and symptoms, he said.

"We managed to contain it," said Beers.

Beers said that he could not disclose information about the age of those affected, but that the hospital, which has more than 20 patients in his care, provides long-term care term to children and young adults up to 21 years.

His patients are more frail and have a higher risk of complications, he said, but more serious problems have not developed.

"We have not seen any worrying situation that would lead to extreme complications," Beers said.

The cause of the outbreak is unclear, but the hospital has put additional safeguards in place, according to Beers, as well as a memo to hospital staff. Officials said the protocols are based on federal guidelines to contain the spread of norovirus.

No child under 12 years of age can visit anyone with symptoms of norovirus, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Any staff member with symptoms should be absent from work until the symptoms disappear for at least 48 hours.

No staff member has been tested positive for norovirus, but some have complained of stomach upset and are not working, said Beers.

Norovirus outbreaks are common, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where the virus spreads easily and quickly through contaminated food and surfaces.