Respiratory infection outbreak declared at Vernon's Gateby long-term care facility

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UPDATE 2:32 p.m.

According to Interior Health, he outbreak at Gateby is related to influenza, and there are two confirmed cases.

Outbreak precautions are in place including pausing social visits, but essential visitors, palliative and end-of-life visits are permitted.

ORIGINAL 12:42 p.m.

A respiratory infection outbreak has been declared at the Gateby Care Centre in Vernon.

Interior Health posted the outbreak at the senior's facility Tuesday, Nov. 29.

IH hasn't listed the outbreak as COVID, stating it is a respiratory infection.

The 2 North Unit of the long-term care facility on 30th Avenue is affected.

Respiratory infections are spread through droplets containing the virus or bacteria when someone coughs or sneezes and the droplets come in direct contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose or airway of another person.

The microorganisms can live on surfaces such as countertops or doorknobs, hands and clothing, and can easily be spread when a person touches something contaminated.

Symptoms include new or worsening cough and fever. Other symptoms may include weakness, runny nose, sore throat or headache.

To prevent the illness from spreading, care home residents encouraged to stay in their room, receive meals in their room, or be asked to sit at a separate table.

They are also being asked to reschedule non-urgent medical appointments.

Signs will be posted at the entrance of the building or unit identifying an outbreak.

A COVID outbreak was declared at Gateby last month.