Personal Injury Law

160 - Unit Senior Housing Complex In Santa Rosa, CA Deals With Norovirus Outbreak

By Marler Clark LLP

Residents of a California senior housing complex canceled group meals and activities to combat a suspected outbreak of norovirus, health officials said.

More than 20 of the 160 residents at Oakmont Gardens in Santa Rosa, CA reported flu-like symptoms, primarily nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to David Peironnet, executive director of the independent and assisted living senior apartment complex.

Ill residents are "staying to themselves," Peironnet said, while others are free to move about the facility, which is not quarantined.

Highly contagious norovirus, often associated with cruise ships, hospitals and other semi-closed communities, has sickened about 2,000 people in long-term care and skilled nursing facilities in California's Sonoma County since 2006.

It is believed to have been a contributing factor in the deaths of seven people in the last three years.

More on the outbreak can be found in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
 

Full post as published by Norovirus Blog on June 23, 2009 (boomark / email).