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

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

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

Northern Health staff have been on-site today, providing information 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 remain closed until it is re-opened by Northern Health. To that end, Northern Health and UNBC are currently disinfecting the Daycare centre, including the main entrance, hallway, toys, and furniture.

Norovirus causes symptoms similar to the stomach flu, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is usually mild, the disease is very contagious. If a child shows symptoms of Norwalk-like illness, that child should stay at home and not return to the daycare until 48 hours after his/her symptoms have resolved. Careful handwashing is considered the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of disease. Parents and children should wash their hands vigorously for 30 seconds or longer with warm water and soap - after using the washroom and before preparing or eating food.

Norwalk-like illness tends to act very quickly, and officials from UNBC and Northern Health are working to minimize any further effects. Officials will continue to provide updates until the situation is back to normal. 

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