BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Some North Dakota hospitals are restricting visitors now that the number of influenza cases has increased to more than 450 statewide.
Nearly 18 percent of the reported 455 flu cases are in the Bismarck-Mandan area, The Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/2ksJAyT ) reported.
Due to the high volume of flu cases, Sanford Medical Center and CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck began restricting its visitors Tuesday.
Sanford is limiting visits to patients’ immediate family members older than 12, as long as they don’t show symptoms of respiratory illnesses. The hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr. Chris Meeker, said the hospital’s decision was based on the Centers for Disease Control and state Health Department guidelines.
Similar restrictions are being enforced at CHI St. Alexius.
“It is based on more patients being ill and testing positive for influenza and the distribution of cases reported by the state Health Department,” said Sue Ziemann, infection prevention coordinator at CHI St. Alexius. “We did restrict it in the neonatal ICU and children’s area. These areas, particularly the NICU, are of high risk.”
Bismarck-Burleigh Health Director Renae Moch is urging local residents to disinfect surfaces they frequently touch at home, work and school. He advises to get a flu shot, to wash hands with soap and water frequently, and to stay home when sick.
“The influenza virus may survive better in a cold, drier climate infecting more people in our area this time of year,” Moch said.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
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