WESTERN BUREAU:
THE OUTBREAK of gastro-enteritis in St. James has continued unabated despite efforts by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) to contain it.
Chief epidemiologist at the authority, Dr. Janice Alexander, said the latest figures on the outbreak should be available by tomorrow, but added that the situation has not improved.
Up to Monday of last week, the authority had reported that more than 1,300 cases of gastro-enteritis had been treated at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, the primary care facility in the region.
A rotavirus is believed to be responsible for the current outbreak, which has infected more than 900 children, two of whom have died.
The virus is usually found in faeces and water. However, Dr. Alexander noted that there were no signs that the water in the parish has been contaminated.
NO PROBLEM WITH PIPED WATER
"The water quality is being monitored there is no problem with piped water. However, people who get their water from rivers and streams are being advised to boil water for drinking purposes or use two drops of chlorine to a quart of water," Dr. Alexander cautioned.
She re-emphasised the importance of proper sanitation measures, such as washing hands after using the toilet and before preparing food, as ways to contain the spread of the virus.
She also advised parents to feed fluids to children who develop vomiting or loose bowels.
Gastro-enteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, characterised by vomiting and frequent diarrhoea.
The virus is often transmitted if hands are not properly washed after persons use the bathroom and then prepare food, if people eat or drink from unclean bottles and other containers, or drink impure water.
Children under five are most affected and if left untreated, can die.
