Health ministry warns about gastroenteritis

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The Ministry of Health is warning Jamaicans to guard themselves against contracting gastroenteritis.

It said the ministry usually sees an increase in the number of cases at this time of year and as such it is urging persons, especially parents, to take the necessary precautions.

The highly contagious disease is spread mainly by contaminated water or food and by dirty hands or utensils.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and stomach gripes.

Director, Family Health Services, Dr. Karen Lewis Bell, is urging persons to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, and before preparing and eating food and drink.

Dr. Lewis Bell further said care should also be taken before breast feeding or taking care of infants, children or the elderly

She added that persons should look out for the signs of dehydration and seek immediate medical care so that they can be adequately treated in a timely manner.

She noted that if left untreated gastroenteritis can cause death by dehydration.

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