Health Advisory: Increase in Gastroenteritis Cases on island

As debate rages of the actual number of COVID-19 cases being registered in the country, media reports suggest there is also currently an explosion of the number of cases of Gastroenteritis in the country.

Almost 3,000 cases have reportedly been registered over the past two weeks.

It has been observed in the past two weeks, although many cases have been recorded in recent weeks.

The Ministry of Health has called for vigilance, warning that dehydration may be
fatal.

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. If you’re otherwise healthy, you’ll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.

There’s no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly and often.