Ministry of Health Press Release: Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute Gastroenteritis
Over the past few weeks several adults and children in the Federation have been diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common infectious disease syndrome marked by irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines causing a combination of fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. AGE is caused by many infectious agents or germs; however, the most common cause is a virus, but it can be caused by
bacteria.

Laboratory results revealed two (2) cases of norovirus within the period July to September, 2024. Based on epidemiological information, norovirus is the probable cause of this uptick in AGE cases. Norovirus can only be confirmed through laboratory testing. On October 24, 2024, the samples were sent off from the government laboratory to CARPHA for analysis.

Norovirus (NOV)
Norovirus belongs to the Caliciviridae family. Norovirus (NOV) is highly contagious and causes the most outbreaks of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. It causes outbreaks in schools, nursing homes, prisons, hospitals and in other settings.

The course of this disease is quite rapid with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. Affected persons usually experience vomiting and diarrhea for 12 – 60 hours. The signs and symptoms include low-grade fever, malaise, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can result if the vomiting and/or diarrhea persist without adequate fluid intake. The symptoms usually last 1 to 3 days.

How is Norovirus spread?
Persons of all ages can get infected with norovirus by:

Direct contact with an infected person, such as shaking hands with someone whose hands
are contaminated with the virus;

Sharing food or eating utensils with an infected person;

Touching contaminated objects or surfaces (toys and doorknobs) then putting unwashed
hands in your mouth;

Consuming contaminated food and water or drink;

Norovirus can be found in the feces/stool of infected persons up to 14 days after onset of symptoms. Norovirus is extremely stable and persistent on objects and surfaces and is resistant to commonly used sanitizers like alcohol gels.

Prevention and control of AGE caused by norovirus.
The following measures are highly recommended because they help to reduce the spread of
norovirus. These public health measures include:

Stay at home if experiencing symptoms of AGE. Do not send your child to school or if an
adult, do not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared. Also avoid
visiting older adults especially if they are in hospital, or nursing homes.

Practice proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water frequently and
particularly after using the toilet, before preparing food and prior to eating. Please note
that alcohol gels do not kill norovirus.

Handle and prepare foods safely including washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly
before preparing meals.

Do not prepare food for others or care for others if you are ill.
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Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (toilets, taps, door knobs and countertops)
regularly and thoroughly using bleach-based household cleaners or a combination of
bleach and water.

If an ill person vomits, the droplets will contaminate surrounding surfaces. Disinfect
potentially contaminated surfaces with bleach-based household cleaners or a combination
of bleach and water.

Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent with water at 600 C and it is
recommended that you wear disposable gloves when handling contaminated items.

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis is usually supportive and aimed at avoiding dehydration. Parents are advised to monitor affected children very closely. Parents are advised to seek medical care urgently if your child is under the age of 2 years regardless of symptoms, and if your child is over 2 years and has persistent abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and or diarrhea. Immuno-compromised persons, persons living with chronic gastrointestinal conditions and older adults should also seek medical care if impacted.

Let us all collaborate and contain this Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Outbreak!

OFFICE OF CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Monday November 4, 2024