Presence Health Places Visitor Restrictions For Minors At 2 Hospitals

Presence Health has initiated temporary visitors’ restrictions at its hospitals in Urbana and Danville, joining Carle in taking measures to to protect young patients from two viral outbreaks.

Until further notice, no visitors under 18, except for siblings, will be allowed to visit patients in the Maternal Child Health and Pediatrics units at Presence Covenant and Presence United Samaritans Medical Centers.

Presence Health says the new restrictions are in response to the number of cases of Pediatric respiratory viruses in east central Illinois, and the appearance of Enterovirus D68 cases in some parts of the state.

Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana imposed its own restrictions on visits to young patients last Friday. It limits visitors to five members of a child's adult support system, plus the child's siblings. Visitors must not show any symptoms of cold, flu or other illnesses. The restrictions affect visits to patients in Carle's Labor & Delivery, Post-Partum, Neo-Natal Intensive Care and Pediatrics Impatient units.

Enterovirus D68 has been reported in several Midwest and southeastern states, including Illinois and Indiana. The virus causes cold-like symptoms in most people, cut can grow more severe in some cases.

UPDATE: This article was updated on September 16th to include informabout about Carle Foundation Hospital.