Staff at Royal Inland Hospital are dealing with an outbreak of C. difficile this week.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
November 08, 2013 - 5:04 PM
KAMLOOPS – The number of patients hit by an outbreak of C. difficile at Royal Inland Hospital is sitting at 10 and officials say no new patients have displayed symptoms since yesterday.
“We are encouraged with the news this morning, however, C. difficile can be a serious infection for our patients and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Health Services Administrator Marg Brown says.
Individuals not requiring medical attention are asked to limit their visits to the hospital, though those with scheduled appointments or needing emergency services should still come. Vigilant hand washing is the first line of defense and will help prevent the spread of illness.
Hospital staff have enhanced cleaning practices in areas where confirmed cases are located and housekeeping practices have also been stepped up throughout the hospital. Additional staff have been called in.
There are still more patients experiencing gastro intestinal symptoms that are undergoing testing, though not all patients with these symptoms will test positive for C. difficile. Symptoms can include mild to severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. This is not a health risk to healthy people but those on antibiotics, undergoing chemotherapy or taking medication to reduce stomach acid are at an increased risk.
To isolate and limit movement of patients during the outbreak 14 surgical procedures were postponed this week.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2013