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Concerns about an active flu season, and the H1N1 virus in particular, have prompted some of the state’s larger hospitals to consider restricting visitors to new mothers. Pregnant women and infants are among the most vulnerable to the spread of infection, and the idea is to reduce the potential spread of illness.

Billie Rhamy, spokeswoman for Pella Regional Heath Center says they will continue with their normal policy on visitors, as the obstetrics department at the hospital has always been restricted to immediate family and limited guests at the discretion of the parents. She adds, though, that Pella Regional has taken some extra precautions with additional signage and respiratory hygiene stations throughout the hospital to help prevent the spread of infection to all hospital patients.