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"The first thing to do is to ensure that good infection control prevents as much disease as possible," said a Fairfax County Health Department official.
Two other people were hospitalized due to a fatal respiratory illness in a retired community in Springfield, Virginia.
Friday afternoon, 20 residents of the Greenspring retiree community had been transferred to hospitals, 55 were sick and two had died. The disease ranges from upper respiratory infection and cough to pneumonia.
The two deceased patients were older and had complex medical problems. The outbreak occurs in a building that houses 263 residents and includes assisted living and specialized nursing care.
"The most important thing is to make sure that infection control will prevent the disease as much as possible," said Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Director of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Health. from Fairfax County.
After ensuring the safety of residents and staff, Mr. Schwartz said the second priority was to identify the cause of the infection.
"We continue to collect and test the samples," said Shwartz, while noting that older people are sometimes not tested positive for pathogens responsible for respiratory conditions that can lead to pneumonia.
The tests done up to now have all been negative. Samples are also shared with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Outbreaks of respiratory diseases are common in long-term care facilities, said Shwartz, but usually not in the summer. He also noted, however, that some viruses circulate in the summer or throughout the year.
Efforts to contain the disease include the facility, which denies new admissions, limits visits, cancels group activities, and does not allow ill residents to leave their rooms.
The installation also increases cleaning and hand washing.
A resident of Greenspring for four years told the WTOP that the protocols, including the suspension of group meetings, are not new and apply when people are suffering from winter diseases.
He feels comfortable with the way the institution handles the situation. "They did a remarkable job over the years I lived here (when) there was an epidemic of communication problems," said the resident, who preferred not to be identified.
"I might not like not doing the things I want to do, but I know it's the best thing for me and for everyone here who wants to stay healthy." -he adds.
Shwartz said Greenspring had been very proactive and had collaborated with the health department who had visited the facility for the second time on Friday.
"We are very pleased with the facility's response," said Shwartz.
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