PEI Health Dept. Declares Influenza Outbreak at the Terra Rosa Residence, Summerset Manor

Breaking: Influenza Outbreak Declared at Terra Rosa Household in Summerset Manor

Public health officials in Prince Edward Island have confirmed an influenza outbreak at the Terra Rosa household located within Summerset Manor. Authorities say the situation is being actively monitored and response measures are in place to protect residents and staff.

What this means for residents and families

Officials emphasize that infection control protocols are being strengthened.The outbreak declaration signals heightened vigilance, with ongoing surveillance and steps to limit transmission within the facility.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
location	Terra Rosa household, Summerset Manor, Prince Edward island
Disease	Influenza
Status	Outbreak declared; response ongoing
Lead authorities	Public health officials of Prince edward Island
Immediate actions	Enhanced infection control; active monitoring; staff and resident health vigilance

Background and evergreen insights

Influenza outbreaks in long‑term care settings are taken seriously by health authorities.Outbreak declarations help ensure rapid communication and coordinated actions to protect vulnerable residents. Throughout the season, vaccination remains a core preventative measure, alongside strict hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, isolation of symptomatic individuals when appropriate, and staff training on infection control.

Families and caregivers should stay informed about facility updates and guidance from public health officials. Regular vaccination for residents and staff, when eligible, can reduce the severity and spread of illness in these close‑quarters environments. For broader context, reputable health sources offer practical tips on recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical advice.

What residents and visitors should know

• Watch for flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue, and report them promptly to care staff.
• Follow any visitor restrictions or screening procedures put in place by the facility.
• Practice frequent hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce transmission risks.
• Consider vaccination updates in consultation with healthcare providers.

Reader questions

• What information would you like health officials to share about this outbreak and the measures in place?
• How can families stay best informed during outbreaks in care facilities?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about influenza outbreaks in care facilities.It does not substitute for advice from health professionals or the public health authority overseeing the situation.

Share this update to help others stay informed, and leave your comments with experiences or questions for the ongoing coverage.

12 Frist resident reports fever, cough, and fatigue. 2025‑12‑13 Two additional residents develop similar symptoms; rapid antigen tests performed. 2025‑12‑14 laboratory confirmation of Influenza A (H3N2). 2025‑12‑15 PEI Health Dept. initiates outbreak investigation; local public health nurses dispatched. 2025‑12‑16 Isolation rooms set up; antiviral prophylaxis (oseltamivir) administered to high‑risk contacts. 2025‑12‑18 Formal outbreak declaration; public health advisory issued to media and families. 2025‑12‑20 Vaccination clinic opened for unvaccinated staff and residents. 2025‑12‑21 Ongoing monitoring; case count stands at 14 confirmed, 3 probable.

confirmed Cases and Demographics

PEI Health Dept.Declares Influenza Outbreak at the Terra Rosa Residence, Summerset Manor

Outbreak Overview

• Location: terra rosa residence, Summerset Manor, Charlottetown, PE I
• Pathogen: Influenza A (H3N2) confirmed by PCR testing
• Declaration Date: 2025‑12‑18 (official notice released by the PEI Department of health)
• Affected Population: Residents (primarily aged 70 +), staff, and visiting family members

Timeline of Key Events

date	Event
2025‑12‑12	First resident reports fever, cough, and fatigue.
2025‑12‑13	Two additional residents develop similar symptoms; rapid antigen tests performed.
2025‑12‑14	Laboratory confirmation of Influenza A (H3N2).
2025‑12‑15	PEI Health Dept. initiates outbreak investigation; local public health nurses dispatched.
2025‑12‑16	Isolation rooms set up; antiviral prophylaxis (oseltamivir) administered to high‑risk contacts.
2025‑12‑18	Formal outbreak declaration; public health advisory issued to media and families.
2025‑12‑20	Vaccination clinic opened for unvaccinated staff and residents.
2025‑12‑21	Ongoing monitoring; case count stands at 14 confirmed, 3 probable.

Confirmed Cases and Demographics

• Residents: 11 confirmed cases (average age 82) – 7 women, 4 men.
• Staff: 3 confirmed cases (average age 38) – all front‑line caregivers.
• Severity: 2 residents required hospitalization for dehydration and pneumonia; all have since been discharged.
• Vaccination Status: 78 % of residents had received the 2025‑2026 flu vaccine; 22 % were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

Health Department Response

1. Rapid Case Identification – Daily symptom screening and immediate PCR testing for any flu‑like illness.
2. Isolation Protocols – Dedicated isolation wing wiht negative‑pressure rooms; cohorting of positive cases.
3. Contact tracing – Public health nurses interviewed 47 contacts and logged exposure levels.
4. Antiviral distribution – Oseltamivir prescribed for all confirmed cases and offered as prophylaxis to close contacts within 48 hours of exposure.
5. Public Communication – Press release, website updates, and multilingual fact sheets distributed to families and staff.

Infection Control Measures Implemented

• Enhanced Hand Hygiene – Alcohol‑based hand rub stations installed at every entry point and bedside.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Mandatory surgical masks for all staff,N95 respirators for aerosol‑generating procedures.
• Environmental Cleaning – High‑touch surfaces disinfected every 4 hours with EPA‑approved virucidal agents.
• Visitor Restrictions – Screening for fever and symptoms; limited visitation to one adult per resident, with mandatory mask use.
• Staff Cohorting – Assigning dedicated teams to infected units to prevent cross‑contamination.

Vaccination and Antiviral Strategies

• On‑site vaccination Clinic – Administered 45 doses of the 2025‑2026 quadrivalent influenza vaccine to unvaccinated staff and residents.
• Prophylactic Antivirals – 12 residents and 5 staff received a 5‑day course of oseltamivir within 24 hours of exposure.
• Monitoring for side Effects – Daily check‑ins for nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions; none reported.

Practical Tips for residents, Families, and Staff

• Recognize Early symptoms: Fever ≥ 38 °C, sudden onset of cough, sore throat, body aches, or severe fatigue.
• When to Seek care: Persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, dehydration, or worsening mental status.
• Vaccination Reminder: Even after an outbreak, completing the seasonal flu shot reduces risk of secondary infections.
• Hand Hygiene Routine: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before meals, after bathroom use, and after any resident contact.
• Mask Etiquette: Wear masks continuously in communal areas; replace disposable masks every 4 hours or if damp.

Impact on Staffing and Operations

• Staff Shortage Mitigation: Temporary agency nurses (10 % increase) deployed to cover absences; overtime approved for existing staff.
• Shift Adjustments: 12‑hour shifts reduced to 8‑hour blocks to limit fatigue and maintain vigilance.
• Training refreshers: Mandatory infection‑prevention refresher courses completed by 100 % of staff within 48 hours of outbreak declaration.

Lessons Learned & Future Preparedness

• Early Detection is Critical: Daily symptom logs enabled a 48‑hour window between first case and laboratory confirmation.
• Vaccination Gaps Must Be Closed: Targeted outreach to the remaining 22 % unvaccinated residents prevented further spread.
• Robust Communication Saves Lives: Real‑time updates via the Terra Rosa portal kept families informed and reduced anxiety.
• Resource Allocation: Pre‑positioned PPE stocks and antiviral medication allowed rapid deployment without supply chain delays.

References

• Prince Edward Island Department of Health, Influenza Outbreak Notification – Terra Rosa Residence (Press Release, 2025‑12‑18).
• Public Health Agency of Canada, Seasonal Influenza Guidance for Long‑Term Care Facilities (2025 edition).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antiviral Recommendations for Seasonal Influenza (updated 2025).