The Virginian-Pilot
©
CHESAPEAKE
An outbreak of norovirus prompted Chesapeake Regional Medical Center to restrict visitation and new admissions to one of the hospital's units this week.
It's the second hospital in the area this month to experience an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug that typically causes vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Last week, Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk placed restrictions on its transitional care unit for a week because of a norovirus outbreak.
Tyler Gwozdz, a spokeswoman at Chesapeake Regional, said 15 patients on the 24-bed geriatric psychiatric unit began showing symptoms of the norovirus last weekend, along with 16 staff members.
The Chesapeake Health Department began investigating the outbreak on Monday, and confirmed that it was caused by norovirus on Wednesday.
Chesapeake Health Department epidemiologist Lisa Engle said the restrictions will be in place for at least three days after no new cases arise. She said the virus has been contained to the unit.
Engle said norovirus, which is common in fall, winter and spring, is present throughout the community and that people should wash their hands frequently and stay home if they are sick.
"It's very, very easy to transmit," she said. "That's why when it gets into an institution, it can spread really quickly."
The restrictions at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center ended Tuesday, after a norovirus outbreak sickened 13 patients and 10 staff members last week.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
Perhaps the hospital would
Perhaps the hospital would like to let everyone know about the issues it had with the sewer system last week that more than likely caused this outbreak.
Virus
Another reason not to go to this hospital. Poor infectious disease management!
wash your hands!
wash your hands!
wash your hands!
wash your hands!
Hand sanitizer is not enough and make sure your kids are washing their hands too!