WINNIPEG – Influenza has broken out in 29 of Winnipeg’s 39 personal care homes this season, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority officials say.
Of those, 21 care homes are still struggling to get the outbreak under control, health officials said.
“This is really a much higher number of outbreaks than we normally see this time of year,” Gina Trinidad, the WRHA’s chief operating officer of long term care, told CJOB News.
Get weekly health news
READ MORE: Flu season peaking; sick should head to bed
Visitors are still allowed at care homes, but are asked to wash their hands and stay away if they are sick.
- Nova Scotia aims to reduce mammogram wait times, enhance women’s health care
- Anthrax outbreak kills more than 50 animals, infects 12 people in Zambia
- Childhood Cancer Canada calls for $15M from feds as demand rises
- ‘E-dirt bikes are not toys’: E.R. doc fears more injuries after 2 kids hit in Edmonton
“Visitors can help by considering postponing their visit and not visiting at all if they feel unwell themselves,” Trinidad said. “If they do choose to visit, we ask them to speak to a staff member before entering their loved one’s room to receive instructions on how to follow precautions like practicing proper hand hygiene.”
READ MORE: Nasty flu season strikes as H3N2 cases spike across Canada
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.