Visiting hours have been temporarily suspended in the North Wing of South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) in Bracebridge due an outbreak of Influenza A.

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), which manages operations at SMMH, made the announcement Friday morning, in conjunction with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).

The bug has been reported in the North Wing, or Complex Continuing Care Unit, of the hospital. Visiting hours will be cut back in that wing, but remain as normal throughout the rest of the hospital.

Four patients and two staff members have reportedly been affected by the outbreak. There are 24 patients in the CCU, a press release by MAHC indicates.

The organization is seeking the public’s co-operation in reducing the number of visitors on-site.

“Special arrangements are being made for families of critically ill patients,” said Bev McFarlane, chief nursing officer for MAHC. “We are monitoring the situation closely along with representatives from SMDHU and we will provide updated information as the situation warrants.”

The hospital has also implemented precautionary measures with staff to curtail further transmission.

According to Health Canada, between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians, usually seniors, die each year from flu-related pneumonia. Influenza typically starts with a headache, chills and cough. Fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose and sore throat are other symptoms.

Children may have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are uncommon in adults, the agency reports.