Residents of Assisted Living Facility Under Quarantine

North Carolina residents of Atria Merrywood Senior Living are under quarantine due to an intestinal illness. According to WBTV, at least two employees and six residents have symptoms of a highly contagious norovirus including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, headaches, and chills. The virus spreads quickly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities due to the close quarters in which people live.

While residents are not being confined to their rooms, all common activities have been canceled for the weeks. Staff members have also reportedly told residents that the more they move around, the more likely that the disease will spread. Norovirus can be particularly dangerous for seniors and children due to the high risk of dehydration. There is no medication, the only treatments include getting plenty of fluids and rest.

There has been no report of any indication that this outbreak is the result of assisted living facility neglect. However, poor sanitary conditions in facilities can lead to serious illnesses. Particularly with senior citizens who often have weaker immune systems and poorer health, these illnesses can have devastating consequences.