A respiratory infection outbreak has been declared at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
According to Interior Health, the outbreak is confined to the third floor of the facility and was declared on January 14.
As a result, Interior Health has asked the public to consider postponing any visits to the facility until the outbreak is over.
Interior Health states that the spread of respiratory illness occurs when someone coughs or sneezes, and droplets containing the virus come into direct contact with the mucous membranes of another person’s eyes, mouth, nose, or airway.
The virus can also survive on surfaces, hands, and clothing, and it can easily spread when a person touches something contaminated. This is why frequent handwashing is critical.
Symptoms include a new or worsening cough, fever, weakness, runny nose, sore throat, or headache.
Signs will be posted at the entrance of the facility until the outbreak is over. Activities and outings at the facility may also be cancelled.
Interior Health says patients in the effected area of the facility may be encouraged to stay in their rooms to prevent the virus from spreading to other residents.
More information can be found here.
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