Royal Inland Hospital.

(STAFF / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS — Interior Health officials have confirmed the cause of a gastrointestinal outbreak among patients and staff at Royal Inland Hospital that has closed three wards was Norovirus.

The health authority says specimens that were sent to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control have tested positive for the virus on two hospital units. Yesterday, Jan. 30, Interior Health warned people about the outbreak and said 16 patients and 11 staff members were affected. Hillside Psychiatric Centre has also declared numerous staff members and patients with similar symptoms. 

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause an infection in the stomach and intestine, according to HealthLink B.C. Symptoms begin to show within one to two days after being exposed and include:

• an upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• nausea
• cramping
• chills
• fever

The illness usually begins suddenly and lasts anywhere from one to three days. There is currently no treatment for the virus and people who become infected usually get better within a few days. HealthLink B.C. says it is important to drink fluids and stay hydrated to avoid further complications.

The hospital is currently not admitting any patients to three wards experiencing the outbreak. Hospital officials are also warning the public that this precaution could mean potential congestion at the emergency department. 

Staff members at the hospital have enhanced house cleaning in patient rooms, bathrooms and frequently touched areas.

In order to prevent spreading the virus, Interior Health officials are reminding the public to wash their hands thoroughly and disinfect bathrooms used by sick people. It is also recommended for anyone who wants to make visits at the hospital to wait until the outbreak is over. 

For more information on Norovirus go here.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Karen Edwards or call (250) 819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2019