Sudbury long term care homes still sick with flu

The Sudbury District Health Unit says influenza outbreaks are continuing to affect long-term care homes in the city — with seven outbreaks across the city.

"Over the weekend we did have another two that were added to our outbreak count," said health unit spokesperson Lisa Schell.

"Five of those outbreaks are confirmed Influenza A [at] two facilities. We're still awaiting the confirmation of cause of the virus or organism that is causing the respiratory illness."

Schell said the two homes that have been added to the list are St. Gabriels Villa and the Elizabeth Centre.

Meanwhile, Schell noted that Pioneer Manor — where more than 60 residents had confirmed cases of influenza at the beginning of the month — is on the mend.

The entire long-term care home was under full outbreak status after the New Years weekend. According to the health unit, only five of the 18 units at the Manor still remain under outbreak precautions.

An outbreak ends when there have been no newly identified cases during an eight-day period.