toh

March 12, 2012 – The Ottawa Hospital has seen several of Norovirus-like gastro-intestinal flu in our patients. In order to limit transmission of the virus and to reduce the chance of further spread, the following infection control measures have been implemented:

• Additional housekeeping measures with disinfectant
• Prompt identification and isolation of symptomatic patients.
• Hand hygiene is being promoted for patients prior to eating and after using the washroom.
• No eating and drinking permitted in patient care areas or at the nursing station.
• TOH visitor policy is being reinforced and signage has been posted at the entry of the units.
• At this time all transfers within the units have been halted and transfers off the units are for medical reasons only.

The hospital is also trying to reduce the chance of cases coming through the Emergency Department. If you are experiencing typical flu-like symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea please do not visit the Emergency Department. Instead, drink lots of fluids and see your family doctor if your symptoms last longer than three days or you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever.

At this time of year, increased cases of Norovirus circulate in the community and can affect schools, hospitals, day care centres and long term care facilities, and anywhere groups of people gather. To avoid infection with Norovirus, we recommend the following:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Stay home from school or work if you are ill
• Avoid visiting people in hospital or long-term care homes when ill

If you think you have Norovirus the following will help you and help prevent others from getting sick with Norovirus:

• Stay home and rest for at least 48 hours after your vomiting and diarrhea have resolved and you feel well
• Do not prepare or handle food that will be eaten by others

For more information:
Hazel Harding, Communications Advisor
The Ottawa Hospital
613-737-8460

Public Health Information Line
City of Ottawa
613-580-6744

Background – Norovirus

Norovirus is a well known “Small round-structured virus” that circulates rapidly through groups of people. It is transmitted by direct contact with the virus, either through contaminated hands, or possibly through droplet spread during vomiting. It can also be transmitted in contaminated food and drink, and ingested directly. It takes less than 100 virus particles to result in illness (it has been suggested that it may take as few as ten virus particles), and so infection is easily transmitted from person to person.

The main symptoms of Norovirus infection begin approximately 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. A low grade fever may occur and dehydration is possible. The illness usually lasts from one day to three days; however, Norovirus can be spread for up to two days after the symptoms stop, and some people may carry the virus for up to two weeks after the symptoms end.

For more information, please visit the City of Ottawa Public Health Information website at http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/resources-health-professionals/norovirus-fact-sheet