A Mercy Health spokeswoman confirmed the influenza cases at Warrnambool's Mercy Place and said staff had been working with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services since Sunday.

The spokeswoman did not confirm the number of cases and said the virus strain was yet to be determined.

All communal activities have been aborted and non-essential visits to the home limited. She said staff were working in close consultation with GPs and strict infection control measures had been implemented. Staff are in close contact with residents’ families. 

“The health and wellbeing of our residents and staff remains our highest priority at all times,” the spokeswoman said.