Canberra Nursing Home Locked Down Due To Stomach Flu Outbreak

A nursing home in Canberra was subjected to a two-week lockdown due to an outbreak of gastroenteritis. ACT Health tested several residents at David Harper House in Goodwin Village, Monash, for norovirus and the results came out positive.

A statement from Goodwin was released saying that the elderly care facility was taking control measures as a response to the gastroenteritis outbreak. Limited access was given to visitors to stop the spread of the disease.

"The health and safety of our residents is our highest priority and we are working in partnership with ACT Health during this time, and according to our legislative requirements," the statement said. A spokesman from ACT Health said there is no definite time as to when the facility will be free from the infection, but it appears that the outbreak is subsiding.

Norovirus belongs to a group of viruses that irritates the stomach and large intestines causing gastroenteritis. This highly infectious virus generally causes diarrhoea and vomiting that usually lasts for a day or two. The illness starts off suddenly with symptoms lasting about 24-48 hours.

Gastroenteritis caused by norovirus is more commonly known as “stomach flu” or “gastric flu.” The virus is often associated with outbreaks occurring in areas that promote close living such as elderly care facilities and hospitals.

It is spread by coming in contact with an infected person or ingesting food and drinks contaminated by the virus. Currently, there is no vaccine against the virus, but hydration and frequent hand washing can help prevent infection.

The elderly care facility put up a sign on Saturday afternoon that says “Please be aware David Harper House is closed due to an outbreak of norovirus. Fortunately, there have been no reports on fatalities or serious injuries caused by the virus outbreak.

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