November 21, 2025, Oak Home Area Declares Outbreak

In collaboration with Public Health, Oak Unit has declared a Gastroenteritis Outbreak and remains in surveillance for suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). Currently, six (6) residents are experiencing symptoms of loose stools, with two (2) residents testing positive. Family members have been notified. We are currently waiting for test results for four (4) of the residents.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) can spread very easily. For this reason, proper hand hygiene and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential. Please ensure that you wash your hands with soap and water after visiting with residents in this home area, as C. difficile is not killed by hand sanitizer.

If you have any questions about these precautions during your visit, please speak with the nursing staff.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
No General Visitors to the Oak Home Area at this time
Essential Caregivers two (2) at a time for visiting only
Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal

Please reach out to Stephanie Albert, IPAC Lead, if you have any questions. stephanie.albert@muskoka.on.ca or ext. 4752