Outbreaks declared at 2 Swift Current health facilities

This transmission electron micrograph (TEM) from the U.S-based Centers for Disease Control shows norovirus virions, or virus particles. (Provided/CDC)

Outbreaks have been declared at two health care facilities in Swift Current.

The Cypress Health Region says an outbreak of norovirus has been confirmed at Palliser Regional Care Centre.

So far, 13 residents at the facility have shown signs and symptoms of the virus, which is very contagious and can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Visitors are currently restricted and infection control measures have been stepped up at the facility.

Health officials have also declared an outbreak of an unconfirmed gastrointestinal illness at Cypress Regional Hospital. Four patients have shown signs and symptoms of enteric illness.

Visitation is currently only restricted on the Med/Surg Unit #2, which has been isolated from other areas of the hospital to prevent the illness from spreading.

Samples are being collected and sent to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory to confirm the type of illness.