THUNDER BAY – Officials from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, working in conjunction with Thunder Bay Seniors facilities, are providing the public with an outbreak update to help guide their decisions regarding visits to each of the following facilities:
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Lakehead Manor – An outbreak of group A streptococcal infections (strep) was declared on March 28. Although the outbreak has not been declared over, outbreak restrictions have been lifted as a result of the enhanced infection prevention and control measures implemented at the facility. Officials from the Health Unit continue to work with facility in an enhanced surveillance capacity to monitor the situation. The facility is located at 135 Vickers Street South.
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Isabella Retirement Living – The recent gastrointestinal outbreak has been declared over. The facility is located at 1350 Isabella Street East.
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St. Joseph’s Hospital (5 North) – The current outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on the Geriatric Assessment and Rehabilitative Care Program (5 North) at St. Joseph’s Hospital, located at 35 Algoma Street North, is still in effect. Visitors are restricted to family members and caregivers only, so please call the facility for more information.
The Health Unit is urging people to refrain from visiting hospitals and long-term care facilities when feeling unwell to avoid spreading infections to those most vulnerable: young infants and children, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.
The Health Unit reminds the public that they can prevent getting and spreading infections by:
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Getting a seasonal flu shot from the Health Unit or local health care provider.
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Washing hands often, for at least 15 seconds with soap and warm water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Covering coughs/sneezes with the upper sleeve if no tissue is available.
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Putting all used tissues in the garbage right away.
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Staying at home if sick to avoid spreading infections to others.
