By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterTHE MINISTRY of Health is urging health care workers and caregivers to become more alert in order to prevent more children dying from gastro-enteritis.
This follows an increase in the number of cases of gastro-enteritis, also called "running belly", reported over the last four weeks.
In a release issued Monday, the Ministry said the number of cases has increased in children, especially in the parishes of Portland, St. Ann, Clarendon and Manchester. Three children have so far died in Portland, Westmoreland and St. Ann.
SHARP INCREASE
Ministry data show a sharp increase, especially in St. Ann, with the number of cases in the under-five age group category moving from 20 to 76 up to the week ending November 22, 2003. Up to that point, the number of cases of gastro-enteritis for the year was 28,080 compared to 19,449 cases for the same period last year.
Gastro-enteritis is caused by the rotavirus, which usually surfaces in the cooler months. The rotavirus germ, which causes gastro-enteritis, is usually present in faeces and droplets and can be transmitted through food and person-to-person contact. It can be prevented by washing hands after using the toilet, after handling diapers, before and after handling food and having meals. Safe, clean water should be used for washing fruits and vegetables and in the general preparation of food and drink.
"Caregivers must practise good hygiene to prevent running belly in children, which if not treated quickly and correctly will lead to more deaths," said Dr. Karen Lewis Bell, Director of Family Health Services. She added, "Against the background of the unexpected rise in cases during the warmer summer months (which killed nine children earlier this year), effective action must be taken now by all concerned..."
Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea (running belly) which occur three or more times each day. A child with these symptoms must be taken to the health centre or hospital for treatment.
