As of October 28, 2024, Toronto Public Health (TPH) has declared a rhinovirusrespiratory illness outbreak at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital on the third floor Specialized Orthopaedic Developmental Rehabilitation (SODR) inpatient unit.  Holland Bloorview is taking a number of safety precautions to keep all clients, families and staff safe and keep spread to a minimum.

What is an outbreak?

An outbreak is declared when there are two or more clients who become sick with the illness in a 48-hour period in a specific area, such as a single inpatient unit. A declaration of outbreak by Toronto Public Health triggers the hospital to implement additional infection prevention control measures.

About rhinovirus:

Rhinovirus is a common respiratory infection and often the cause of the common cold. It can be spread very easily from person to person through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of those infected when they cough or sneeze. It can also be spread through objects they have come in contact with (i.e. – tissues, toys, countertops). Symptoms include runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, with or without fever.

Please be aware:

• Do not visit the hospital if you are unwell.
• If you are able, please wear a mask while in the hospital. Masking is an effective measure to reduce the spread of viruses.
• 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.

If you have questions, please speak to your child’s physician or a member of their clinical team.

Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.