Barbados witnesses upsurge in Gastroenteritis cases

Bridgetown, Barbados: The Ministry of Health reported an increase in gastroenteritis cases for two weeks. The majority of cases are seen in persons five years and older. The authorities urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene and implement precautionary measures.

According to the information, the medical practitioners said that the increase in cases of gastroenteritis is probably due to the greater number of people eating outside food instead of at home.

However, the cases among children under five years of age have not crossed the expected number threshold during this time period. The Health Ministry also said that people are urged to check the cleanliness of food items.

Keeping this in mind, delivery associates have been asked to maintain proper hygiene and use sanitizers while delivering food.

“Individuals purchasing prepared food are encouraged to check the cleanliness and hygiene of the establishment, including the presence of handwashing facilities if the vendor is itinerant or at a roadside stall. Customers are reminded to wash or sanitize their hands before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using toilet facilities”, the Ministry of Health remarked.

It is to be noted that the authorities would like to remind the general public that the food should be served hot at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher than this. The cold foods are supposed to be served at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

During the preparation of the food, one must remember that the cooked and uncooked food should be positioned separately.

Additionally, Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. Several different viruses can cause ‘stomach flu’, which is highly contagious and extremely common and can lead to irritation and soreness of the stomach and intestines.

The person suffering from this may experience conditions like vomiting and diarrhoea. The public should adopt the measures which enables them to avoid Gastroenteritis such as drink plenty of water, wash the hands properly, avoid getting out of homes in case of sickness and most importantly person should immediately visit healthcare facility of any symptoms persist.