Three elderly residents die as flu sweeps through Mulgrave aged care home

THREE elderly residents at a Mulgrave nursing home have died after an outbreak of illness swept through the centre. Staff were also affected during the three-week influenza spell.

Three residents of the Monash Gardens home in Mulgrave died.

THREE elderly residents at a Mulgrave nursing home have died of flu-related symptoms after an outbreak of the illness swept through the centre.

The victims, aged 81, 94 and 103, all had other underlying conditions and died last month at the Royal Freemasons’ ­Monash Gardens home.

Managers at the home notified the Department of Health and Human Services on July 11 of the influenza outbreak.

A total of 38 residents and staff at the 97-room home were affected for three weeks. The all-clear was given on July 31.

Victorian deputy chief health officer Brett Sutton said the state had hit peak flu season and the elderly were particularly susceptible to flu and gastro outbreaks.

“When you consider the average age in nursing homes is 90, people are vulnerable and have other conditions,’’ Dr Sutton said.

Department employees worked with staff of the home to manage the sick and implement infection control measures. All cases were treated with Tamiflu medication.

The Royal Freemasons group, which operates the Mon­ash Gardens home, was approached for comment but did not respond.

[e-mail]

@IanRoyall