Gastrointestinal outbreak not contained to Lumby luncheon | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Gastrointestinal outbreak not contained to Lumby luncheon

Image Credit: Village of Lumby

LUMBY - Reports of people getting sick with a gastrointestinal bug keep climbing in Lumby with health officials now calling the situation widespread in the community.

Following a Lumby Days luncheon event June 11, Interior Health received reports of at least two dozen people falling ill, including Vernon’s mayor, the North Okanagan Regional District board chair, and members of the Lumby Fire Department.

Now, Interior Health’s Medical Health Office says the number of people who got sick has risen to roughly 50. The health authority is also confirming that not all the individuals attended the luncheon or had contact with people who went to it.

“Based on this we suspect that there is widespread viral gastrointestinal activity in the community,” states the health authority.

Medical officials believe the outbreak is viral and suspect norovirus, but that is not yet confirmed. 

Interior Health investigators have spoken with the caterer and say that person has been fully cooperative. There is currently no evidence suggesting the caterer is at fault.

Anyone who experiences symtoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever is advised to stay home and wash their hands frequently to avoid spreading the virus.


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