Nine residents have died since April 5 at a Victoria hospital where an influenza-like illness has been detected, says the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
Spokeswoman Suzanne Germain said Tuesday that 19 people have become ill since the respiratory outbreak began at Glengarry Hospital, which is home to frail and elderly patients, many with multiple pre-existing conditions.
“While we know that nine people who died had the symptoms we don't know if that was what ultimately caused them to die,” she said of the patients, who were in their 80s and 90s.
Lab tests have confirmed that the illness is not H1N1 or influenza A and B, but further tests are being conducted to try and find out what kind of illness is involved, she said.
Ms. Germain said the hospital has limited contact between residents by isolating them to their rooms, where meals are being served because the three dining rooms have been closed.
The facility has also had Norwalk virus circulating since the beginning of April, she said.
“We're limiting the number of visitors to one at a time and we're actually asking those visitors to put on protective clothing like gowns and masks and go straight to visit their loved one and leave right away.”
Hospital staff are also required to wear gowns and masks to prevent the spread of the virus, which Ms. Germain said was likely introduced from the outside.
Extra housekeeping staff have been brought in to clean the facility, she said.
Dr. David Forrest, associate medical director of infection and prevention control with the health authority, said the fact that no staff have been affected suggests the illness is mild but that elderly people are more vulnerable.
