Editor's note: The C. difficile outbreak was declared over June 16, 2015.

ALLISTON - A C. difficile outbreak at Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston has prompted the facility to take enhanced precautions.

The outbreak was declared yesterday (April 15) by the hospital and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) after three cases were confirmed at the Fletcher Crescent building in the past week.

C. difficile, a common bacterium that people carry in their bowel, poses little risk for healthy individuals, but can become a health issue for patients who are unwell, elderly, or otherwise health-comprised.

The disease can also cause issues for people taking antibiotics that kill off the "good bacteria" in the bowel and allow C. difficile to flourish and cause infection.

The best way of stopping C. difficile is frequent and thorough handwashing.

At this time hospital visitors are being permitted, but will be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly before entering and exiting patient areas. In some cases, visitors will be required to wear a gown and gloves.

As an added precaution, the hospital has also enhanced its cleaning practices.

“At Stevenson we are committed to enforcing best practice infection prevention and control measures,” says Jody Levac, president and CEO. “Every member of the Stevenson team is working diligently to monitor the current situation and taking the appropriate action to minimize the risk of any further transmission.”

For more information on C. difficile visit the SMDHU’s website.