HELENA- St. Peter’s Health implemented visitor restrictions at the Regional Medical Center Friday following what it says is a significant increase in cases of Norovirus.
Under the restrictions, all visitors will not be allowed on the medical or surgical floor at the Regional Medical Center unless they are visiting someone in end-of-life care.
Norovirus is a highly contagious disease that spreads through contact with an infected person. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever and body aches.
Health experts say the best way to prevent the spread of Norovirus is to practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, and to avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms end.
St. Peter’s Health says the restrictions will remain in place until at least 8:00 a.m. Monday. The hospital will re-evaluate the restrictions then and make a decision based on the prevalence of the virus.
For more information on Norovirus, and how to prevent the spread of the disease, log on to the Lewis and Clark Public Health website.
