By Sarah Rolles

One death associated with care home outbreak

Jan 5, 2012 | 9:54 AM

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region confirmed today that one person has died from a respiratory illness that infected two long term care homes in Prince Albert.

The health region began restricting visitors to the Herb Basset and the Pineview Terrace Lodge last Thursday afternoon after 20 residents began showing symptoms of an unknown illness.

Medical Health Officer Dr. Kami Chokani didn't say which home the death occurred at as they are still investigating.

Earlier this week, Chokani identified the illness to be three viruses, hMPV, rhinovirus and enterovirus.

As of Sunday afternoon there had been no significant increase and the region said they would continue to wait until after the illness had passed to allow visitors back.

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The visitor restriction on Pineview Terrace has been lifted, however the Herb Bassett restriction remains in place.

“We are asking people to please be patient with us it is a little bit of a challenge when there isn’t any vaccines for these virus’s nor is there any real treatment against these viruses,” said Chokani.

“And the best thing to treat it is what we call social isolation, in other worlds when the person remains by themselves. And of course extremely good hand washing.”

Currently out of the 33 diagnosed at Herb Bassett there are still 18 residents that are considered  asymptomatic.

New outbreak in Shellbrook

An outbreak has also occurred at a long term care facility in Shellbrook and another visitor restriction has been implemented there.

So far it is not determined if the illness at the Shellbrook home is caused by the same three viruses as Herb Bassett and Pineview.

Outbreak in Melfort care home

An outbreak has been declared at Parkland Place in Melfort after 14 residents and 15 staff members became ill with symptons similar to the Norovirus.

According to the Kelsey Trail Health Region, patients first reported symptoms on Jan. 1 such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort.

Visitors to the facility are being restricted until further notice.

srolles@panow.com