Norovirus outbreak hits retirement and care center in Kennewick

A Kennewick senior living center has been hit with a norovirus outbreak this week.

But it may have peaked and moved past the worst of the outbreak with the help of specialists from the Benton Franklin Health District.

Brookdale Canyon Lakes on West 35th Avenue contacted the health district on Jan. 10 when about 10 people a day were falling sick, said Rick Dawson, a senior manager for the health district.

The center has about 120 residents in its independent and assisted living communities, according to Brookdale.

Symptoms of norovirus, which spreads easily and quickly, include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control. People may be sick for a day or two, but can infect other people before they develop symptoms.

To stop the spread of the virus, Brookdale Canyon Lakes has closed its dining room and is delivering meals to residents in their apartments.

The water recreation and fitness areas also have been closed, and group activities are on hold.

Any staff members who get sick have been told not to return to work until they have had no symptoms for at least 24 hours, Dawson said.

CDC: Norovirus outbreaks common

Health district staff also have been working with Canyon Lakes staff on best practices for disinfection and on how to best handle cleanup when residents get sick.

The steps seem to be working with few or no new cases being reported daily at the end of this week, Dawson said. The district wants three days with no new cases to confirm the outbreak is over.

Outbreaks of norovirus are common, especially from November to April, according to the CDC.

The health district receives two or thee reports a year from care facilities of suspected norovirus outbreaks, although Dawson does not remember a previous outbreak at Brookdale Canyon Lakes.

Outbreaks in adult living and care centers can be difficult to address because they cannot be closed down like other businesses, such as restaurants, when an outbreak is reported, Dawson said.

There also are similarities with cruise ships, which people sometimes associate with norovirus cases. Both have communal-style living, with adults eating meals and participating in activities together.

The staff and leadership of Brookdale Canyon Lakes have been helpful and cooperative, Dawson said.

This story was originally published January 17, 2020 at 10:45 AM.