Hearthstone experiences influenza outbreak

MOSES LAKE - An influenza-like illness has broken out at the Emeritus at Hearthstone assisted care and retirement facility in Moses Lake.

Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny and the health district have given Hearthstone a list of procedures to implement immediately to control the spread of the flu to other residents and staff. Influenza can be a severe illness in older adults.

Brzezny has ordered that people not enter Hearthstone unless absolutely necessary, not be allowed to enter Hearthstone if sick, and that all visitors wear a face mask.

Nearly 25 percent of Hearthstone residents are sick with influenza or a flu-like illness, according to the health district. Two residents are currently hospitalized and tested positive for the influenza A virus. There have been no deaths.

Cases of flu-like illnesses have increased at local clinics and hospitals in the last few weeks, according to the health district. Hospitalized cases, clinic visits for flu-like illnesses and lab-confirmed cases of the flu have increased statewide.

"The Hearthstone staff and residents have been extremely cooperative," said Brzezny. "(We) must act quickly and take every measure possible to protect this community or control further spread ... We understand that families want to visit with their families and friends at Hearthstone, but right now it's important to not expose the residents to any additional sicknesses or take flu home to your families."

The health district recommends everyone, whether they've received an influenza vaccination or not, take the following steps to avoid spreading the disease:

• Stay healthy by getting plenty of rest and physical activity.
• Stay home from school or work if sick with flu-like symptoms and avoid exposure to people.
• Cover one's nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and properly dispose of the tissue. If tissues are not available, cough into one's elbow.
• Clean surfaces that are touched frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer.
• Get a flu shot. Visit www.granthealth.org to find a nearby flu shot provider.