Virginia Beach, VA –
23 May, 2007 – The 3 East unit at
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital was reopened to routine patient admissions today, following conclusion of the recent gastrointestinal virus event.
Terminal cleaning procedures using bleach-based solutions will continue for a time to ensure that any shed virus particles are killed.
It is important to note that there have been only three ‘confirmed’ cases of norovirus among patients and staff based on laboratory tests.
Epidemiological tracking is underway to determine, if possible, how many people actually had norovirus symptoms, but a definitive figure is unlikely.
Staff and volunteers will continue asking visitors to cleanse their hands with alcohol foam upon entering and leaving the hospital this week and to wash their hands frequently. After this week, cleansing stations and reminder signs will be posted at hospital entrances.
Hand washing remains the single most effective way to avoid spreading most types of viruses.
28/2007