By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:00 am
Quail Run in the Mennonite Village has taken steps to fight a gastrointestinal virus that has infected about 10 people in the community of around 100.
"It's something we go through almost every year," said Bob Johnson, vice president of operations. "We have implemented infection control measures."
The virus hit about a week ago and has caused the community to take steps to cut down the possible spread.
"We are limiting personal contact and touch and keeping people out of group situations for the most part," Johnson said.
Staff and residents are being reminded to use good infection control procedures, particularly stressing that they make sure to wash their hands. Meals are being delivered to the rooms of those infected.
Johnson said county health officials have been contacted but the decision to take immediate action came when the virus first hit the community.
"We don't know what it is yet and we don't know how long we'll have to keep the restrictions," said Johnson. "We just want to stay on top of it."
Johnson stressed that for the most part, activity has not been limited and no one is confined to their rooms.
"Our priority is to make sure it is curtailed and doesn't spread to any other areas of the campus or the outside," Johnson said.
He did add that he is hoping people will limit their visitations until the situation is under control.
"It doesn't appear to be anything serious," Johnson said. "We just want to take all proper precautions."
Quail Run is an assisted-living facility within the Mennonite Village retirement community. It provides studio and one-bedroom apartment living for residents along with various services and amenities.
The Mennonite Village was established in Albany in 1947 and features a variety of living areas on a 190-acre campus that has more than 700 residents overall. More than 370 people work at the site.