Atascadero State Hospital has 11 units on quarantine due to an outbreak of a gastrointestinal viral illness that ASH Public Information Officer Craig Dacus said is similar to the stomach flu.

“It’s actually very common [in hospitals],” Dacus said.

Since July 12, he said 151 patients have been diagnosed with the illness and 24 employees have reported to have it as well.

Dacus said that in order to put a unit on quarantine, at least three persons must exhibit symptoms.

“We’re keeping patients confined to their units until no symptoms are present for two full days,” Dacus said and added that further measures include not moving patients from quarantined units, not allowing visits to patients on quarantine and increasing janitorial efforts.

For the complete article see the 07-28-2010 issue.

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