Memorial Health officials said today that Memorial Gables, the system’s skilled nursing facility, is experiencing increased reports of residents and staff with symptoms from norovirus.
“Norovirus is the most common cause of outbreaks in long-term care facilities in the United States,” Memorial Gables Administrator Heather Adcock said. “This is the first such instance at Memorial Gables, however, and we are working diligently to reinforce precautionary steps with all residents, staff and families.”
Memorial officials said staff at the facility involved the Union County Health Department immediately based on reporting requirements, as well as a desire to coordinate prevention measures. The local health department is reportedly continuing to monitor and test possible cases. There have been three confirmed cases of norovirus among Gables residents.
“Our disease control and prevention staff have been working closely with Memorial Gables to limit the spread of the virus,” Jennifer Thrush, Public Information Officer for the Union County Health Department, said. “Gables staff have been proactive in their response and are working diligently to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent spread of the virus.”
Memorial officials said the staff members at the facility are following internal protocols intended to help stop the spread of the illness.
Those measures include:
•Residents have been encouraged to remain in their personal rooms and are receiving all meal service in their rooms.
•Discontinuation of all group activities.
•Implementation of infection control measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff and visitors.
•Continued communication and education with residents, family members and guests regarding precautionary measures in place.
•Implementation of a modified visitor policy, including encouragement of phone calls instead of visits, or a delay of visit.
•Strict handwashing and use of personal protective equipment including gowns, gloves and masks for visitors.
Visitors should not enter Memorial Gables if they are sick or showing symptoms of illness.
“All of these interventions and precautions will remain in place through the weekend and an assessment on Monday will provide for next steps,” Adcock said. “As of this morning, there have been no residents experiencing new symptoms.”
According to the CDC website: “The most common symptoms of norovirus are: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days.”