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May 29, 2013 – Two immunocompromised patients at the General Campus have developed Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a common virus that frequently causes respiratory illness. In healthy adults, this virus causes cold symptoms, but in those with compromised immune systems, the effect can be more severe and can develop into pneumonia and bronchitis.

As a result, we are taking a number of steps in the affected unit to help prevent the spread of hMPV and are changing our visitor policy in that area temporarily.

The new visitor policy on 5 West will be as follows:

• Only one visitor in the room/on the unit at a time.
• This person must be the patient’s primary or alternate caregiver. This information will be on file and will be provided to a staff member at the entrance to the unit. No other visitors will be allowed in.
• The primary or alternate caregiver must be free of any cough, cold, fever, or any other infectious symptoms.
• All patients are restricted to their rooms and only leave for medical tests.

For more information on hMPV, please read the hMPV Information Sheet.

We thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Should you have any questions, please ask to speak to the Clinical Manager on the unit.