The outlook is improving in a norovirus outbreak in Bloomer, just north of Chippewa Falls. Officials at Bloomer Medical Center say patients are improving. Residents at the attached Maplewood nursing home are beginning to resume normal activities. All Bloomer hospital patients who had symptoms have now been free of symptoms for more than 48 hours, and the hospital is now admitting other patients.
Over the weekend, the hospital was only admitting patients with symptoms of the highly contagious norovirus, and visits were suspended at the nursing home while they tried to stop the spread of the virus, which carries gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Dr. John Larson, site coordinator at Bloomer Medical Center, says because norovirus is very contagious and common, they have been extremely cautious to help protect patients, staff, and community. 22 residents of the nursing home and 7 patients in the hospital were treated and about 60 staff members reported symptoms as well. The nursing home is still asking visitors to wait until all residents have fully recovered.
(story by Dan Lea)