UPDATE (as of April 14):
- Last onset date has changed to April 13, 2025 - the targeted 'outbreak over' date is Friday, April 18, 2025.
- The number of staff affected by the outbreak has been revised from seven (7) to 10, for a total of 17 individuals affected by the outbreak.
- The number of patients affected by the outbreak has been revised from seven (7) to eight (8); previous cases continue to resolve.
- Children that cannot wear PPE due to fit or inability to keep PPE on, may not visit the unit.
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In consultation with the Region of Waterloo Public Health, a gastroenteritis (gastro) outbreak has been declared in the south part of the B2 Medicine Unit (Wing B, Level 2). Cases are considered to be resolved when 48-hours symptom free. The onset of symptoms for the first case was on April 4, 2025. The last known case with new onset of symptoms was on April 8, 2025. A gastroenteritis outbreak is declared over when there are no new cases for five (5) days from the onset of the last case.
At this time, the outbreak has affected seven patients and six staff (n=13).
Admissions to the unit will continue and patients and families will be notified if they are to be admitted to this unit. Symptoms for gastro to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain.
The following precautions have been added to enhance safety:
- Dedicated staff are being assigned to the unit to minimize the spread as much as possible, including scheduled times for food delivery to patients.
- Staff are to don appropriate PPE when caring for patients and be vigilant with hand hygiene.
- Staff are to avoid travel to clinical spaces, break areas and staff offices outside of the unit.
- Staff may not share food and treats. Eating and drinking are permitted only in designated spaces on the unit.
- All patients will be placed in droplet/contact precautions; stool samples for virology testing will be sent on symptomatic patients.
- Enhanced cleaning, with special attention to high contact surfaces.
- Visitors are strongly discouraged to visit, however, one visitor per patient may be permitted. Visitors must present to the nursing station upon arrival, wear appropriate PPE and have no signs or symptoms of illness. Virtual visits and phone connections for patients and families can also be arranged. Exceptions can be made for compassionate reasons on case by case basis.
- Signage has been posted at entrances.
The outbreak will be declared over when no new cases are identified for at least five days from last case symptom onset.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff, providers, patients, and visitors is our top priority. Wear PPE and continue to practice hand hygiene for the safety of all.
Visit the Region of Waterloo Public Health site to see all declared outbreaks in the region.
