With unfortunate timing for the holidays, the Barton Skilled Nursing Facility has been closed off to visitors and tested this week to determine if the gastrointestinal symptoms eight elderly residents have demonstrated could be that of the Norovirus.
The Norovirus infection is a gastrointestinal illness that's common in the winter months, particularly in settings where large groups of people congregate. The condition, often associated with cruise ship outbreaks, comes with symptoms such as a sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramping.
The hospital placed a sign on the door Monday prohibiting visitors for its 46 elderly residents in isolation, which is determined medically as a means to separate the sick from the outside world. Quarantining applies to the exposed.
Barton residents are prohibited from taking part in group settings. Christmas caroling and other holiday activities have been canceled until further notice.
"It's tough with Christmas, but we want to make sure it doesn't spread," said Maureen Froyum, the unit's activities director. Froyum has fielded calls from family and friends inquiring about visits with the residents.
The precaution by Barton comes on the heels of an outbreak in Placerville at Marshall Hospital, the Gold Country Retirement Center and El Dorado Care Center. Since Dec. 7, 60 staff members of Marshall and 10 patients came down with Norovirus, the El Dorado County Health Department reported.
Elder Care Facility Quarantined for Christmas
Susan Wood, Tahoe Daily Tribune
| Local News |
