Outbreak confirmed at Durham retirement home

DURAHM A spokesperson from the Durham County Health Department told Eyewitness News the department learned of at least four patients and staff members at a Durham retirement home who have a bacterial illness.

However, they have not confirmed if it's E. coli.

The owners of the Emerald Home facility confirmed they are dealing with some kind of outbreak.

An initial report of an outbreak was made over the weekend, but the Health Department is just beginning its investigation.

Health officials say until they receive test results, they will not be able to confirm if the bacteria is E. coli or the Noro-virus.

Those test results are expected later this week.

Emerald Pond has closed its dining room as a precaution.

The retirement home said it's cleaning the facility and "precautions are in place."

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