During this time of the year, it is expected that there will be an increase in Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) cases. In order to prevent the spread of AGE and other communicable diseases such as flu the Ministry of Health and Human Services would like to remind everyone to practice proper personal hygiene and sanitation.
AGE is the inflammation of the stomach, intestines or both. Common causes are viruses and food and water contaminated by bacteria or parasites. AGE has often been referred to as the "stomach flu." However, it is not the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. AGE is more contagious than the flu and can survive on hard surfaces for weeks.
Characteristic signs and symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools within 24 hours)
- Abdominal cramps
- Low-grade fever (sometimes)
Depending on the cause of the inflammation, symptoms may last from one day to more than a week.
All persons experiencing signs and symptoms of AGE are urged to contact their healthcare provider immediately. The Ministry has stepped up its education campaigns particularly in schools to reinforce prevention messages and has stepped up surveillance and testing to ensure the health and well-being of the TCI Population.
To prevent the spread of germs and infections, the Ministry encourages everyone to:
- Wash your hands properly and frequently especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating or preparing foods.
- If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can be used, but it is not a substitute for washing hands with soap and water.
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
- Keep your environment clean and surfaces disinfected with a mild bleach and water solution.
- Avoid sick persons. If caring for a sick person, keep them isolated, clean and disinfect contaminated areas and thoroughly wash soiled laundry.
- Sick persons should stay home from work at least 48hours after symptoms have passed.
To wash your hands properly, follow these simple steps:
- Wet your hands with warm running water and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and around and under your nails.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean paper towel or air dry.
- Use your towel to turn off the tap and open the door.
For additional information, please contact the Health Planning and Promotion Unit at 338-3064.
Let’s keep Turks and Caicos clean, safe and healthy!