Interior Health is confirming that the outbreak at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops is norovirus.

Another unit (5-North) is also affected, in addition to 4-North, 5-South, and 7-North, which were affected yesterday. Seven surgeries scheduled for tomorrow have been cancelled.

Spokesperson Susan Duncan says 29 patients and 24 staff members have been affected to this point.

“And we are continuing to ask staff and visitors to remain vigilant since this gastrointestinal illness is in the community as well as in our healthcare facilities,” Duncan said. “Please, frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.”

“Also, anyone who’s been sick should be staying home for 48 hours after their GI symptoms have stopped.”

The outbreak is also impacting the Hillside Psychiatric Centre and two seniors care homes: Berwick on the Park on Whiteshielf Crescent, and Pine Grove Care Centre on McGowan Avenue.

“The precautions being taken may mean longer waits in the emergency department,” added Duncan. “But we stress that anyone who feels they need emergency care should not hesitate to come to the hospital.”

Forty-seven people showed symptoms yesterday across both facilities, while 13 surgeries had to postponed today as a result of the outbreak.

The outbreak was announced on Wednesday morning, and Duncan says it will 96 hours after the last case is reported.

 

(A previous version listed an outbreak at 3-North. It should have read 4-North, and the story has been corrected to reflect that. The inconvenience is regretted.)