The death toll from the devastating flu outbreak in a Wangaratta nursing home has risen to eight.
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The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Tuesday morning an eighth person had died following the influenza outbreak at St John’s Retirement Village.
Victoria’s acting chief health officer Dr Brett Sutton said the department was continuing to monitor the facility and provide support to manage the outbreak.
The outbreak has been one of the worst in Victoria’s history, starting when two residents contracting the illness for unknown reasons.
St John’s had 123 people affected by the influenza outbreak over the past few weeks out of 146 residents and 200 staff.
There have been 222 respiratory outbreaks this year throughout the state, compared with 117 for the same period last year.
Dr Sutton said flu was a highly contagious viral infection, spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes.
“Good hand hygiene is strongly recommended to visitors to assist in controlling any spread of flu,” he said.
“This is a timely reminder to all visitors that washing their hands with soap or hand gel before visiting loved ones in aged care or hospital is extremely important.
“And if you are sick you should avoid visiting loved ones in an aged care facility or hospital.
“If you are unwell with a cough or a cold, remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the tissue straight in the bin.
“You should always wash your hands immediately afterward sneezing, coughing or going to the toilet with soap and running water and dry your hands thoroughly.”