Four Outbreaks Declared Across Interior Health Long-Term Care Facilities
Interior Health (IH) has issued outbreak warnings at four long-term care facilities following confirmed cases of respiratory illness. While IH has not released detailed patient counts for each site, the agency confirms that multiple facilities are experiencing influenza activity that meets the criteria for an outbreak. This development comes as communities prepare for typical winter flu seasons, but the IH alerts underscore the vulnerability of residents in long-term care settings and the importance of strict infection prevention measures.
Confirmed Case at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm
According to IH’s daily updates, an influenza A respiratory infection outbreak was declared in Unit 1 of Bastion Place in Salmon Arm on December 31. Bastion Place, like many long-term care facilities, houses residents who may have underlying health conditions, making them more susceptible to complications from influenza. An outbreak designation triggers enhanced infection control protocols, including isolation procedures, heightened cleaning, visitor restrictions where appropriate, and vigilant monitoring by facility staff and IH officials.
Why Outbreak Declarations Matter in Long-Term Care
Outbreak declarations serve several critical functions. They help ensure that infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are intensified, resources are allocated promptly, and patients receive focused medical attention. For residents, an outbreak means more rigorous precautions, such as cohorting ill residents away from those who are well and restricting group activities that could spread the virus. Families and caregivers should stay in close contact with facility staff to understand any changes to visitation policies and care routines.
What a Typical IH Outbreak Response Includes
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of common areas and high-touch surfaces.
- Screening of staff and residents for respiratory symptoms before entry to the facility.
- Isolation or cohorting of affected units to prevent transmission between residents.
- Communication with families about the status of the outbreak and any changes to visiting guidelines.
- Coordination with public health authorities for testing and vaccination guidance as needed.
<h2Protecting Residents and Visitors
Preventing the spread of influenza in long-term care settings is a shared responsibility. Families can help by ensuring vaccines are up to date for themselves and discussing vaccination with visiting loved ones who may be eligible. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness, and IH typically supports high vaccination rates among staff and residents as a cornerstone of outbreak control. Other protective steps include practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.
<h2What This Means for the Community
Outbreaks in long-term care facilities can influence local health services, especially if staffing is affected or if residents require additional medical resources. IH’s transparency in updating the status of outbreaks helps clinicians, families, and the broader community gauge the level of risk and respond appropriately. If you have a loved one in a nearby facility, staying informed through IH updates and the facility’s communications is prudent during this period.
<h2Guidance for Families and Visitors
Visitors should check with the facility before planning a visit. If someone is feeling unwell, postponing visits in order to reduce risk is advised. Regular hand hygiene, avoiding kissing or sharing utensils with residents who are unwell, and following any facility-specific visitation policies are practical steps to minimize transmission during an outbreak window.
<h2Looking Ahead
As the winter season continues, IH will monitor the situation across its network of facilities. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the focus remains on protecting residents, supporting caregivers and staff, and maintaining essential care services while limiting the spread of influenza A in long-term care settings.
