An unusually high
number of gastroenteritis cases reported in the past two weeks has prompted the
Public Health Department to issue a public health advisory regarding the
situation.
“Usually,
we see between 15 and 25 cases of gastroenteritis per week at the Health
Services Authority facilities. In the winter months each year, we note an
increase in gastroenteritis cases of viral origin. However, during the past two
weeks there were more than 60 cases per week,” said Medical Officer of Health
Dr. Kiran Kumar.
“Since
Sunday, 5 February, about 67 people sought medical attention at the Health
Services Authority facilities. Both children and adults are affected: Of the 67
people, 28 were under 5 years old. In total, 18 children (14 of whom were under
5) were admitted to our paediatric ward for medical care. All are doing well
and based on the patients’ symptoms it appears to be viral gastroenteritis,”
Dr. Kumar clarified.
Public
health officials will continue to monitor the incidence of gastroenteritis, he
noted.
Gastroenteritis
is an inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestine resulting
in diarrhoea and vomiting; abdominal cramps; fever; and dehydration. It is
caused by a variety of viruses or bacteria, with the most common being the norovirus
and rotavirus.
“We are testing stool samples to identify the
virus or bacteria which are causing the illnesses,” Dr. Kumar said.
“Regardless
of which virus is causing gastroenteritis, it is passed in stools, usually for
one week. In addition, some viruses live in the respiratory secretions of
infected children, and may thus enter the atmosphere. It is therefore important
to practice good hygiene, especially when a child passes stools
indiscriminately.
“Also,
if disposable diapers are used, take extra care when disposing it. If left in
open garbage containers, flies may transfer germs from the stools to food and
other articles thereby spreading the disease further,” explained Dr. Kumar.
To stem the outbreak of diarrhoeal disease, people should
follow these guidelines:
·
Avoid contact with those who
are ill.
·
Keep sick children out of
schools/nurseries; stay away from work until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
·
Wash your hands often,
especially if you care for a sick person: Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
with soap and water or use alcohol- based hand cleaner especially after using
the toilet. You can also use antiseptics such as Dettol or Savlon.
·
Control flies by ensuring
sanitary premises, including proper collection and disposal of garbage.
·
Drinking water must be safe;
use desalinated, bottled or boiled water.
·
Disinfect cisterns by adding
2½ ounces of bleach for each 1,000 gallons of water in the cistern.
·
Soiled disposable diapers
should be placed in a garbage bag and securely tied. The bag should then be
placed into a securely covered container for collection.
·
Toilets should be
disinfected after use by sick persons, so that others will not contract the
illness.
·
Do
not share towels, cups, or food with sick persons.
·
For more information, call
the Public Health Department on 244-2632 or 244-2621, or Faith Hospital on
948-2243. For assistance with cisterns or sanitary advice, call the Department
of Environmental Health on 949-6696 in Grand Cayman or 948-2321 on the Brac.
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