Influenza A Outbreak Declared at Stratford General Hospital

by Bob Montgomery

An Influenza A outbreak has been declared at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance on the Medicine Unit at its Stratford General Hospital site.

Outbreak status refers to two or more confirmed Influenza A cases among patients that could have possibly been acquired in the hospital. The unit is now closed to admissions until further notice. HPHA is working in collaboration with Huron Perth Public Health to manage the outbreak.

Patients, family/caregivers and team members affected are in the process of being notified and testing of patients is taking place. Family and Caregiver presence on the unit has been modified. Patients may only have one family caregiver/visitor per day with no in-and-out privileges. Family/caregivers will be required to wear personal protective equipment including mask, eye protection, gown and gloves.

"We know that when you have a family member or friend in the hospital that you likely want to visit them as much as possible. But if you are sick, your visit may end up doing more harm than good," says Erica Jensen, Manager Quality, Patient Safety and Infection Control. "Patients in the hospital are vulnerable and are at higher risk of developing more severe illness from the flu, COVID-19 or even a simple cold. If you, or anyone in your household are feeling unwell, it's important that you not visit people in the hospital until you are fully recovered."