Ministry: Increase In Diarrhoea, Vomiting Illness
Due to an “increase in diarrhoea and vomiting illness [gastroenteritis] in the community” over the last four weeks, the Health Ministry has issued a “medium alert.”
“The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit [ESU] of the Ministry of Health would like to inform the public of an increase in diarrhoea and vomiting illness [gastroenteritis] in the community. An increase in reported cases over the last four weeks has caused the Ministry to issue a medium alert,” the statement said.
“You should contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms. Your doctor may wish to test for the cause. Seek prompt medical attention if you or a person in your care is severely ill, due to the risk of dehydration. This is especially important for young children and seniors.
“You can help to prevent the spread of infection by staying home until you are well:
- Those who have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea should not go to work and should not handle or prepare food for others while ill.
- Professional food handlers and caregivers should consult a physician or the Department of Health before returning to work.
- Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not attend a school or day care centre until 48 hours from the last episode of diarrhoea.
- Children in diapers with diarrhoea should not use wading/swimming pools.
“While you are ill or caring for someone who is ill:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating. Hand sanitizer may be used if the hands are not visibly dirty.
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces, e.g.: kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces.
“As a general precaution:
- Cook and store food appropriately. Keep hot food hot [at 140 degrees F or above], and cold food refrigerated [at 40 degrees F or below.]
- Use bottled water when travelling in countries where the water supply might be unsafe. In Bermuda, the Department of Health recommends that tank water be disinfected before it is used for drinking or food preparation – common methods include boiling, ultraviolet light, and chlorination.
“Further updates will be given if the alert level rises or if a specific cause of the diarrhoea and vomiting is identified.”
The Ministry’s fact sheet follows below [PDF here]:
Most prevalent in PLP voters experiencing vote regret
That was very unkind.
It’s very hard for some people to get over 24-12.
On de up side, we have 5 years to go.
Thats how indiginous people around the world suffered first.
“Thats how indiginous people around the world suffered first.”
Good thing there are NO indigenous people in Bermuda then.
No, but de concept of their oppression we can identify with.
Oh crap. Literally. Stay well, People! Wash your hands!!!!!
got the trots (not trotts).
Some water tanks in this island including the city have not been cleaned out and sanitized in decades.
Numerouse overflow pipes and down pipes have not been properly screened against vegitation; vermin; frogs; lizards ; and dead birds .
Where is the health department when you need them ?
Bermuda is infested with rats.
Some no care people do not pick up their dog facies.