Restrictions have been put in place for inpatient visitors 14 years of age and under.
Beginning Monday, visitors under the age of 14 will not be allowed to visit inpatients at Adena Health System hospitals in Chillicothe, Greenfield, and Waverly.
Hospital officials say the policy is being put in place due to a sharp increase in the number of flu cases being seen at their facilities.
Adena physicians have seen almost triple the number of cases in the first 12 days of December compared to the entire month of November. Adena’s lab confirmed 37 cases of influenza in November, and from December 1 through 12, an additional 108 cases have been confirmed through lab testing. These numbers only represent patients who have had tests performed by Adena’s lab.
"The decision to limit child visitors is twofold," said Adena Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Fortney. "In addition to keeping our patients safe from further illness, this action is also intended to help protect child visitors from unnecessary contact with those who may be carrying the flu virus."
This policy will remain in effect until further notice.
