The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reminding residents to practice good personal hygiene to safeguard their health as part of efforts to combat viral gastroenteritis in the Territory.
According to data reported to the Health Surveillance Unit to date, 228 cases of viral gastroenteritis have been recorded for the year.
Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Dr. Irad Potter told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. It is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that result in vomiting or diarrhoea. While viral gastroenteritis is often called the “stomach flu,” it is not caused by the influenza viruses.”
In general, the symptoms begin one to two days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms may last for one to ten days, depending on which virus caused the illness. Viral gastroenteritis is contagious and is spread through the faecal oral route.
Food may be contaminated by food preparers or handlers who have viral gastroenteritis, especially if they do not wash their hands regularly after using the bathroom. Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages.The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhoea and vomiting. The affected person may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps or “stomach ache”.
Persons can reduce their chances of becoming infected by frequent hand washing; prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners; and prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing. It is important to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration) in treating viral gastroenteritis in children and adults. This treatment should begin at home.
The Chief Medical Officer is recommending that families with infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home at all times and use the solution when diarrhoea first occurs in the child. ORS is available at pharmacies without a prescription. Follow the written directions on the ORS package, and to use boiled water.
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