Northern Health is urging the public avoid visiting patients at University Hospital of Northern B.C. to help stem an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness at the hospital.
"If the situation is urgent and visitors feel they must enter the hospital, please ensure you are feeling well," Northern Health said in a statement issued Friday.
Those who've recently felt the illness's effects are asked to stay clear of the hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. They're also urged to stay home for that time to prevent the virus's spread elsewhere.
Gastrointestinal illness, often caused by Norovirus, is common this time of year, according to the agency. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, chills, fever, vomiting and diarrhea and usually only last a day or two
But because of its highly-contagious nature, it is easily spread from person-to-person. That's why Northern Health is asking those who've been struck by the illness to avoid the hospital, public gatherings, work and school for at least two days after the trouble has ended.
Proper hand washing - at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after using the washroom, before eating or preparing foods, and after helping someone who is ill - is encouraged.
Also encouraged is cleaning and disinfecting "common touch surfaces" such as door knobs, faucets, telephones, handrails, food contact surfaces and keyboards.
For more information on gastrointestinal illness, visit www.healthlinkbc.ca or call 8-1-1.
