St. Rita’s declares restriction on visitors at medical center as flu numbers rise
(LIMA; February 7, 2017) As flu numbers continue to rise in the Lima and surrounding communities, St. Rita’s Health Partners is restricting visitors at its medical center until further notice. This decision was made in order to protect visitors and patients, and minimize the spread of virus and infection.
Since the weekend, there have been a reported 138 flu cases at the medical center’s urgent cares and emergency department alone. Out of the 138 flu cases, 18 patients have been admitted.
“The health and wellbeing of our patients and visitors is our top priority here at St. Rita’s,” said Deb Nocera, infection preventionist at St. Rita’s Health Partners. “In order to prevent further illness and infection we have made the decision to restrict visitors at this time.”
The restriction includes anyone with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever or diarrhea. It also restricts anyone under the age of 14 from visitation. Nocera also states that it is not too late to get a flu shot.