January 26, 2005 for immediate release

Northern Health and the University of Northern British Columbia are currently managing a Norwalk-likeillness in the UNBC Daycare.

As a precautionary measure, the Board of the UNBC DaycareSociety is closing the Daycare for the remainder of this week.

Evidence of the illness appeared yesterday in the CubsCorner section of the Daycare, which provides services to children between theages of 18 months to three years. Three staff and four of the 12 childrenenrolled in Cubs Corner are currently known to be symptomatic.

Northern Health staff have been on-site today, providinginformation to parents who have children in the Daycare’s pre-school programs(Raven’s Nest and Porcupine Pals). Cubs Corner has been closed and will remainclosed until it is re-opened by Northern Health. To that end, Northern Healthand UNBC are currently disinfecting the Daycare centre, including the main entrance,hallway, toys, and furniture.

Noroviruscauses symptoms similar to the stomach flu, including nausea, vomiting, anddiarrhea. While it is usually mild, the disease is very contagious. If achild shows symptoms of Norwalk-like illness, that child should stay athome and not return to the daycare until 48 hours after his/her symptoms haveresolved. Careful handwashing is considered the single most important procedurefor preventing the spread of disease. Parents and children should wash theirhands vigorously for 30 seconds or longer with warm water and soap - afterusing the washroom and before preparing or eating food.

Norwalk-likeillness tends to act very quickly, and officials from UNBC and Northern Healthare working to minimize any further effects. Officials will continue to provideupdates until the situation is back to normal. 

Formore information about this or any other health-related issues, parents cancall the BC NurseLine toll-free at 1-866-215-4700. Registered nurses offerhealth information and advice through this line 24 hours a day, seven days aweek. Information is also available on-line at www.bchealthguide.org.