Infection control measures in place due to gastrointestinal illness at Kitimat Hospital acute care unit

Northern Health has put increased infection control measures in place at Kitimat Hospital’s acute care unit, after due to an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness at the facility. To date, there have been 17 cases of gastrointestinal illness in the hospital: two among patients and 15 among staff.

Northern Health is asking visitors to avoid entering the hospital until further notice to help reduce the potential spread of the illness. The visiting restriction only affects the hospital’s acute unit at this time. NH staff members are sending samples to the BC Centre for Disease Control for testing.

Infection control measures will remain in place until the outbreak is declared over. Northern Health will continue to provide updates on facility visitor access as they become available.

Careful hand-washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease. People should wash their hands well for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap – before and after using the washroom and before eating or preparing food.