Public Health Sudbury & Districts warns of rising cases of respiratory, gastrointestinal illnesses in the region

A man with the common cold sneezes into a tissue. (File photo/Wavebreakmedia Ltd./ShutterStock.com)

Public Health Sudbury & Districts (PHSD) is urging residents to take precautions as cases and outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses rise across the region. Increased levels of influenza and enteric illnesses – likely caused by norovirus – are being reported in childcare settings, long-term care and retirement homes along with the broader community as other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), continue to circulate.

“It’s important to protect ourselves from being infected and from potentially spreading illness to others who are at higher risk of worse health outcomes,” said Jonathan Groulx, a manager in PHSD’s Health Protection Division in a news release.

“People who are sick can spread illness to others while they are ill, and in the case of norovirus, for up to two days after their symptoms stop. It’s critical to stay away from people who are at higher risk for another 48 hours after symptoms go away.”

Symptoms of gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses can be similar, making it difficult to identify the specific virus causing the illness. Regardless of the cause, PHSD emphasizes the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of infection.

Preventing the spread of illness

Public Health officials recommend the following measures to protect yourself and others:

• Stay home and self-isolate if you are sick until you no longer have a fever and your symptoms have improved for 24 hours (or 48 hours if you experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea).
• If you must leave home, wear a well-fitted mask.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, dispose of used tissues immediately, and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash hands frequently for at least 15 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, and before entering or leaving high-risk settings like long-term care homes, hospitals, or daycares.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if handwashing is not possible.
• Individuals at higher risk of severe outcomes should consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor public spaces.
• Avoid handling or preparing food for others if you are ill.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or feces using a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. Most disinfecting wipes and sprays do not effectively kill norovirus.

Vaccination remains key

PHSD said it continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV to increase protection during the ongoing respiratory illness season.

“We are in the middle of the season for respiratory illness, and increasing your protection for the remainder of the season is a wise choice,” said the heath authority.

Infection prevention in high-risk settings

Public Health is working closely with hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate care settings to implement infection prevention and control measures. These efforts aim to minimize outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations. Visitors to these facilities are reminded to follow handwashing and masking guidelines and to avoid visiting if they feel unwell.

Resources and updates in the district

PHSD provides weekly updates on local respiratory illness activity levels, including COVID-19, influenza and RSV, as well as information on active outbreaks in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.

For more information on respiratory and enteric illnesses and preventive measures, visit phsd.ca or call PHSD toll-free at 1-866-522-9200.