NIAGARA, ON: The Niagara Health System is experiencing a Norovirus outbreak on the Woolcott Wing of the Welland Site.
Eight patients on the Woolcott Wing are confirmed positive for the virus; approximately a dozen staff members are showing symptoms and off work.
The outbreak was declared Friday in conjunction with Niagara Region Public Health. All infection prevention and control measures are in place to control the spread of the Norovirus and bring the outbreak to an end as quickly as possible.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness. Symptoms are upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, low grade fever, chills and a sore throat. The illness usually begins suddenly and the person may feel very sick. Symptoms last for 24 to 48 hours in a healthy individual, but it can take longer for some people.
Noroviruses can spread directly from person-to-person, by touching contaminated surfaces, from contaminated food, and other sources.
Everyone is reminded to clean their hands regularly to decrease the chance of becoming ill. Norovirus is a seasonal illness, and there are also cases in the community.
