Visitation to Wolf Willow Health Centre in Eastend has been restricted after an outbreak was declared.

Signs and symptoms of enteric illness are present, and samples will be collected and sent to the Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory in Regina for analysis and confirmation of the illness type.

When a release was sent out by Cypress Health Region shortly before 5 p.m. Monday there were four residents exhibiting signs and symptoms of enteric illness.

The Cypress Health Region's website says gastroenteritis (enteric illness) means inflammation of the stomach and both small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that result in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called 'stomach flu,' although the influenza viruses do not cause gastroenteritis.

The health region said the only exceptions to visiting restrictions will be in the event of an ‘end-of-life’ situation, where the nurse in charge at the facility can be contacted to discuss the options that are available for family members to visit their loved one.

Enhanced cleaning and infection control protocols have been implemented within the facility in an attempt to remove the illness.