One dead and 12 seriously ill at elderly nursing home
The outbreak of the potentially deadly infection occurred at St Fionnan’s Community Nursing Unit in Achill, Co Mayo.
The man who died has been named locally as Michael James Moran from Faungloss, Clare Island.
At midday the HSE said it was investigating suspected food poisoning but it later released a statement saying it was investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis.
Viral infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis, but it can also be caused by bacteria and contaminated food.
Strict infection control measures are in place at the home, which caters for 32 patients, most of whom are over 70 years of age.
It is understood Mr Moran became violently ill with vomiting and diarrhoea last Thursday and was treated by a local GP who also examined other patients complaining of similar symptoms.
A postmortem was carried out on Mr Moran’s body at Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar yesterday.
The results of tests are not expected to be available for some days.
The HSE has drafted in additional staff to assist in the care of patients who are being treated by local GPs.
It has also sent in an outbreak control team led by a public health specialist.
Barbara Moran, director of nursing at St Fionnan’s, said the HSE had contacted all family members of the nursing home’s residents to advise them of the outbreak of acute gastroenteritis.
She said relatives had been told some visiting restrictions were put in place and to contact the nursing home in advance of any visits.
“On behalf of myself, the staff and the residents of the unit, I would like to extend our sympathies to the family of the deceased gentleman,” Ms Moran said.
The HSE said specialist microbiological advice has also been obtained and investigations and sampling are under way to establish the cause of this outbreak.
As part of the investigation samples of food were taken away for analysis.
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