St Kitts and Nevis: Health Ministry releases advisory amid observing rise in Gastroenteritis cases

In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Health of St Kitts and Nevis mentioned the rising number of patients with gastroenteritis (GE) throughout the Federation. 

According to the Health Ministry’s statement, several children and adults have been diagnosed with and treated for gastroenteritis in St Kitts over the previous several weeks.

A special television show was also organised to provide detailed information about gastroenteritis, how it affects the individual, its symptoms, treatment, and precautions to raise awareness of this illness among the people of St Kitts and Nevis.

Also, the concert was streamed live on YouTube before being shared on various social media platforms. Dr Joylette Woodley-Fassale and two skilled medical professionals from St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr Monique Lescott and paediatrician Yannik Henry, served as the event’s hosts.

It is emphasised that gastroenteritis is a medical disorder described by gastrointestinal tract irritation or inflammation, particularly in the stomach and small intestines. 

Anyone, whether a child or an adult, can be affected by this disease. A pathogen or germ is often the cause of gastroenteritis. A virus is the most regular cause, but bacteria can be a significant reason for the issue. 

The medical condition known as gastroenteritis primarily affects the stomach and small intestines and needs to be highlighted. It is represented by gastrointestinal tract irritation or inflammation. 

It doesn’t matter who you are, a child or an adult; the illness can harm you. A bacterium or germ frequently brings on gastroenteritis. The most common culprit is a virus, but bacteria might also be to blame.

In order to raise awareness, the St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Health has additionally provided the following symptoms:

 

If a child is more than two years old and shows one of the symptoms listed below:

 

• Fever lasts for more than 48 hours
• Abdominal pain that is constant or getting worse
• Continuous vomiting for 4 to 6 hours despite consuming fluids
• Diarrhoea that lasts more than seven days
• A decline in the child’s general health

In addition, if the child displays any of the following signs, they should refer to the emergency ward immediately.

• If not drinking for longer than four to six hours
• Has mild to severe symptoms of dehydration
• Indicators of mental fuzziness, vertigo, or headache
• Vomit or stools with blood – Black stools
• Vomit is dark green.

This demonstrates that a child with a temperature greater than 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) has a constant illness and a weak immune system.

In the case of adults, the ministry of health indicated that if any of the following symptoms are experienced by an individual, they should be referred directly to the emergency room:

• Blood in your stools or black stools
• Diarrhoea with severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea accompanied by extreme thirst and no urination for more than 12 hours
• Continuous vomiting for 4 to 6 hours

 

The Ministry of Health has also suggested numerous measures that will gradually lower the likelihood of catching gastroenteritis, in addition to mentioning the prevention of gastroenteritis. You must:

• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
• Avoid eating uncooked or raw food (meats)
• Steer clear of tainted food (especially when travelling abroad)
• Use soap and water to wash your hands often (alcohol-based hand sanitiser).

The precautions mentioned below will help in reducing the spread of gastroenteritis to other people:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly after using the restroom or after changing a child’s diaper.
• Wash your hands before eating.
• If someone in the household has gastroenteritis, ensure towels are not shared. Use the same strategies for kitchen utensils, cups, glasses, and plates.
• If your child has gastroenteritis, keep them at home to prevent the illness from spreading to other students.
• If you are an adult with gastroenteritis, stay home to avoid spreading it to others at work.