File photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters

By Liam Verster

Respiratory Infection Outbreak

Influenza A outbreak declared in Vernon

Jan 15, 2026 | 2:34 PM

An Influenza A outbreak has been declared at a Vernon long-term care facility.

Interior Health said the outbreak was identified at the Gateby Care Centre’s 3 West SSU Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Influenza A can cause fever, headaches, muscle pain, a runny nose, extreme tiredness and cough, which can last between one and two weeks. The virus can also lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure for older adults and people with health complications.

Additional efforts were being made at the facility to contain the outbreak, including enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, more use of personal protective equipment, rescheduling non-emergency appointments, and asking infected residents to stay in their rooms.

As of time of publication, a Human Metapneumovirus outbreak that was declared on Jan. 5 was still in place for the Hamlets in Vernon.

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