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Western Maryland Hospital Imposes Quarantine To Contain Flu

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A hospital in Hagerstown has imposed a quarantine to contain several patients infected with the influenza virus.

The Herald-Mail reports Western Maryland Hospital Center put a quarantine into effect late Wednesday for its nursing home section. David Davis, the chief operating officer, says the quarantine will remain in effect until the last patient infected with the flu is symptom free.

Five residents of the nursing home have influenza. Davis says several others have symptoms and were being tested. All of the patients are older than 60.

During the quarantine, visitors are prohibited from entering, and staff must wear protective masks in the patient care and treatment areas. New patients are not being accepted in the nursing home portion of the building.

The hospital last imposed a quarantine in 2005.
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Information from: The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Md., http://www.herald-mail.com

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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