Wing of Seneca nursing home closed by virus

SENECA, S.C. (AP) — State health officials are investigating a suspected outbreak of the norovirus at a hospital-owned nursing home in Seneca.

Officials say at least 11 residents of the Lila Doyle Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Facility are showing signs of the stomach virus with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain.

The nursing home is owned by Oconee Medical Center and is not accepting new residents until the virus is curbed.

Hospital spokeswoman Heather Goss says the virus seems to be concentrated in one wing of the nursing home. She says residents are being kept in their rooms.

The nursing home’s public areas are closed to try to control the spread of the virus.

The nursing home has 150 beds.

The best prevention method is regularly washing hands.