Health authorities in St. Lucia are reporting a 14% rise in gastroenteritis cases, disproportionately affecting children in recent weeks. Dr. Dana Gomez, a Medical Surveillance Officer, noted an increase in individuals presenting with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea at healthcare facilities. This uptick is linked to a highly contagious strain of the virus, often termed “the stomach flu,” which is particularly prevalent in the winter.
Dr. Gomez urges the public to adopt preventive measures such as practicing good hand hygiene, staying away from schools and workplaces if affected, and seeking medical attention. These steps are crucial, especially during the ongoing flu season, with various influenza viruses, including type A, being identified.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs in St. Lucia is actively monitoring the situation and emphasizes the importance of community effort in mitigating the spread of both gastroenteritis and the flu. Citizens are reminded to maintain hand hygiene, cover while coughing or sneezing, use masks in crowded areas, and disinfect surfaces. People with symptoms are advised to avoid contact with vulnerable groups and seek healthcare guidance if symptoms persist or worsen.
The Ministry aims to safeguard public health during the festive season and calls for collective action to ensure a safe and healthy environment in St. Lucia for the upcoming year.
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