By Logan Somers [1]
COBOURG – A outbreak of a highly contagious norovirus affecting both patients and staff at the Northumberland Hills Hospital [2] in Cobourg has officials warning about the potential spread to the public.
In a press release, hospital officials said norovirus is a group of viruses that spreads easily and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The hospital identified one of the surgical units as the origin.
It becomes more common this time of year, says the hospital in a press release Monday. The hospital is working with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit to contain the outbreak.
People can become infected by the virus through direct contact with another person who is infected or by touching objects and eating food that has been contaminated.
Once exposed to the virus symptoms will show within 24 to 48 hours, and at times as quickly as 12 hours. Experts say people usually are ill for about three days after exposure. There is no vaccine or antiviral medication to prevent getting sick.
All infected patients have been moved to an isolated area and no new admissions will be taken to the affected area. The hospital has also enforced strict hygiene using soap and water to keep clean and the cleaning of the affected area has been increased.