Outbreak at the Palliser and Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre

Based on the information provided to us, there are now outbreaks at the Palliser Regional Care Centre (PRCC) and Shaunavon Hospital and Care Centre (SHCC). Presently, no visitors are allowed into these facilities. In the PRCC, we have identified the causative organism as human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), which is not vaccine-preventable, and a relatively new organism. Residents suffering from this illness are in isolation. We are awaiting the identification of the causative organism in the case of the SHCC.

To protect the employees, residents, and patients of our facilities, we ask that if you feel under the weather - please refrain from visiting our long-term care facilities. We are also asking that visitors who are showing Influenza-like signs and symptoms abstain from visiting Long Term Care facilities until they are asymptomatic for at least 48 hrs.

"If you are unwell or have been ill during the past seven days, please do not visit our facilities within the health region, except to seek medical care" says Dr. Khami Chokani, Medical Health Officer for the Cypress Health Region. "Anyone visiting our facilities should wash their hands prior to entering and upon leaving the building, in an attempt to minimize the risk of transferring any virus to your loved one or the building they are in. Likewise, our dedicated staff are also washing and are expected to wash their hands between patients and procedures. If you do have a cough that requires medical attention either at your family physician's office or the hospital Emergency Room, our sincere request to you, is to please ask for a mask to cover your cough! And to protect those that are around you in the waiting room or attending to you from catching whatever bug it is that you have!"

Frequent and proper handwashing is the most effective way to help control the spread of viruses. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are an additional measure to assist in reducing the risk of spread, but should never be considered a replacement for handwashing.

"The Cypress Health Region will continue to communicate outbreak status in the affected facilities with the public through various channels," shares Trent Regier, Director of Population Health. "Visitor restriction will be updated on the Cypress Health Region's website, www.cypresshealth.ca, and announced though news releases. If you are unsure about what restrictions are in place and where, we suggest phoning the facility to see if visitation is allowed."

The health region would like to remind the public that if they experience symptoms such as cough, fever, headache, general body malaise, without or without nausea and/or vomiting, they should consult their family physician or the province's HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002. HealthLine can also be accessed electronically via the Internet by visiting www.healthlineonline.ca.