City hospital reports outbreak of influenza
Windsor Regional Hospital is taking precautionary measures after confirming an influenza outbreak at Ouellette campus.
A memo that went out to hospital staff Wednesday states there are two confirmed cases of Influenza B and two more probable cases in the “7 Medical” unit.
All patients with symptoms are being told to remain in their rooms unless it is medically necessary to leave. If they do leave their rooms, they must wear a mask. All patients are being offered Tamiflu prophylaxis.
The hospital said it will continue with its current policy of two visitors per person.
The affected unit will remain open to new admissions, but there will be limited transfers.
The hospital said patients may be transferred out of medical necessity. But if a patient showing no symptoms requires a transfer from another unit to the affected unit, they will be subject to precautionary measures for at least three days.
If any 7 Medical patient requires treatment, testing or therapy, the unit they are going into must also use the same precautions.
The memo stated that staff and equipment from the affected unit must remain there as much as possible. Staff have also been told to refrain from eating and drinking in patient care areas.