Alberta Health Services officials are taking measures to limit the spread of viral gastroenteritis among evacuees of the Fort McMurray fire who are staying at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
AHS said Monday that an increase in the number of patients experiencing symptoms of the stomach bug had prompted officials to respond – after between 40 and 50 cases were reported over the weekend.
About 600 people are currently staying at the site – AHS said an increase in such cases isn’t unexpected with so many people in one place.
Officials said medical staff, including paramedics and nurse practitioners, were at the centre to help care for people with symptoms, along with AHS Environmental Public Health Staff and Infection Prevention and Control staff.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is being offered housing in a separate area of the hall, in an effort to limit the spread to healthy evacuees.
In addition, washroom and shower facilities are being cleaned, and AHS is making more hand sanitizer available on site.
People staying at the facility are being asked to wash their hands before and after using the washroom, before and after eating or preparing food and after changing diapers.
