November 15, 2006 * Health [to Jan 2010]The CHANCES Family Centre Program in the Charlottetown area has been voluntarily closed on a temporary basis at the advice of the Department of Health due to a number of cases of diarrhea and vomiting. The illness began Friday, November 10, and seven of the 35 staff and six children attending the program have had symptoms. The program is being closed to prevent further spread of the illness and because of a shortage of well staff. Dr. Lamont Sweet, Chief Health Officer said, “The illness is being investigated as to the cause but the symptoms and pattern of illness are very suggestive of a viral gastroenteritis. Testing is being carried out to see if a specific virus can be identified.” “None of the children or staff has been seriously ill or admitted to a hospital. Usually illnesses such as this can be contained by closure of a program for three or four days,” added Dr. Sweet.Media Contact: Island Information Service