Visitors of long term care residents in Parkland Place in Melfort are being restricted as the result of a flu outbreak, the Saskatchewan Health Authority says.

Symptoms associated with respiratory illness were first reported on Sunday, January 14th and included cough, fever and malaise, medical health officer Mohammad Khan said in a news release.

Nine residents are on respiratory precautions and nine staff are reporting symptoms.

“Though there have not been many influenza cases in the region, other viruses are also circulating in communities. People may carry the virus without being symptomatic and can transfer it to others,” Khan said in the news release.

Those visiting residents that are extremely ill are excepted from the restriction.