​UPDATE: The Rhinovirus outbreak was declared over by Toronto Public Health on Sunday, December 12, 2021.

As of November 26, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has an outbreak of Rhinovirus on our third floor BIRT (Brain Injury Rehab Team) inpatient unit. An outbreak means that two or more clients and/or staff have become sick with the illness in a 48 hour period and the hospital is taking measures to limit its spread.

About Rhinovirus illness:

• Rhinovirus is a virus that can cause the common cold, is a respiratory infection and symptoms include fever, cough, increased secretions, chest congestion and vomiting.
• Rhinovirus is one example of a virus that can cause the common cold. It is not the same virus strain as COVID-19.

Please be aware:

• Do not visit the hospital if you are unwell.
• While onsite at the hospital, wash and sanitize your hands often, especially when entering the building, going in or out of a client’s room, and going on or off the affected unit. Good hand hygiene is an important way to help prevent the spread of illness.
• Only one visitor is allowed at one time to see ill clients in the affected unit. If you visit a client in the affected unit, please do not visit other clients or other units at the hospital.
• Other inpatient units, outpatient clinics, community programs and activities are operating as usual.

Holland Bloorview is working with Toronto Public Health to manage the outbreak and to ensure the safety our clients, families and employees and limit the spread of the illness. 

If you have questions, please speak to your child’s physician or a member of their clinical team. Thank you in advance for your co-operation and understanding.