An outbreak advisory for the Slave Lake Healthcare Centre was issued following the report of nine suspected cases of Norovirus.
On Sept. 21, the Aspen Regional Health board released the public health advisory after three staff members and six patients reported symptoms related to the Norwalk virus. By Sept. 24, the number of cases had climbed to 14.
Dr. David Johnson, Medical officer of Health for Aspen said in a press release, “In order to manage the outbreak, ill staff members have been excluded from providing care to patients and elective surgeries and clinics have been deferred. Enhanced environmental cleaning and personal protective measures, such as handwashing have also been implemented.”
Visitor access has been restricted with access determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically the virus will run its course in 24 to 48 hours without treatment.
When reached by phone, Dr. Johnson said “These viruses are running around in the community. They are out there.”
This is the general class of virus originally named after an outbreak at an elementary school in Norwalk, Ohio in 1968. It is often characterized by flu-like symptoms including vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. The very young and older people are particularily susceptible, as are people with compromised immune systems. Frequent hand-washing is encouraged and will help prevent the spreading of this illness.

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