Belmopan. March 9, 2010. At this time of the year, there is usually an increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases countrywide. Gastroenteritis is defined as diarrhea with or without fever, dehydration or vomiting. Persons in the age group less than five years are predominantly affected.

Recently, there were outbreaks of rotavirus (a virus that causes diarrhea) in Mexico and Guatemala mostly affecting children. This disease is generally transmitted by food, water, hands and other surfaces that have been contaminated with fecal material, and also possibly by respiratory transmission such as through coughing or sneezing.

The Ministry of Health would like to advise the public to observe strict hand washing after using the bathroom, and before handling, preparing, or consuming food or water, and to observe strict respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and hand washing after coughing or sneezing.

Frequent hand washing is particularly important among caretakers of sick individuals. It is also advised to regularly clean surfaces with chlorine, such as kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, and any other surfaces within the household that are commonly touched or handled.

These simple actions can minimize the spread of disease.  

This is a health and wellness message from your Ministry of Health.