Avia Ustanny
, Gleaner Writer THE MINISTRY of Health's (MOH) Sur-veillance Unit has reported a more than 100 per cent increase in cases of gastroenteritis since the start of the year.
The figure, MOH Communications Officer Rowena Palmer told The Sunday Gleaner, is a cause for concern.
From January 1 to January 24, 2004 the MOH said, 2,619 children under five years old came down with the intestinal problem. Those over five years with the problem numbered 2,256 bringing the total number of cases to 4,875.
According to Miss Palmer, the total represents a 108 per cent increase over the same period last year. In January 2003, the total number of reported cases was 2,348.
Meanwhile Medical Officer of Health for St. James, Dr. Diahann Dale, yesterday advised of an outbreak of the illness in the parish.
While she was unable to furnish specific figures, she said current figures were above normal levels. She has also indicated that children make up the majority of cases seen so far.
"Most of the cases are apparently going to the emergency unit, and so on a daily basis, particularly since this week, we have been seeing much more than what we would normally see," Dr. Dale said.
LEADING KILLER
Gastroenteritis or 'running belly', is an inflammation of the stomach and the intestines resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea. It is the leading killer of young children in developing countries, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) reports.
The condition resulted in the deaths of three children, locally, in December 2003. And in August, a gastro outbreak, which was said to be unusual for the summer, killed nine children. Attempts to get the total number of deaths for 2004 were unsuccessful.
A Ministry release sent out on Friday evening said, "in light of these reports the Ministry of Health seeks to remind individuals that the symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhoea (running belly) which occur three or more times each day."
The Ministry said that anti-diarrhoeal medication should never be given to children with diarrhoea and anti-emetics should never be given to children who are vomiting, as this may delay appropriate treatment and result in serious health consequences including death.
The release also cautioned that anti-diarrhoeal medication should never be used in a child 12 years old and under. In these children, one should allow diarrhoea to run its course and prevent dehydration by replacing the fluid lost by the child.
Fluids such as breast milk, coconut water, plain water, lemonade, diluted fruit juice or oral rehydration fluids, should be given at least half-hourly in small amounts with a cup and spoon.
The release warned that everyone should take special precaution in washing hands after using the toilet and conducting daily activities, 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.
