by Linda Straker
- Significant jump in reported cases compared to 2022 data
- Gastroenteritis symptoms normally last 1 to 3 days
- 3 viruses are causing gastroenteritis
Dr Shawn Charles, Chief Medical Officer, said there is an outbreak of gastroenteritis and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Grenada. There is a significant jump in reported cases compared to data for the same period in 2022.
“Grenada is experiencing an outbreak of gastroenteritis. This condition is characterised by nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and watery diarrhoea. Some individuals may have a fever and muscle pain, and the symptoms normally last between 1 to 3 days,” he announced during a news conference on 4 April.
“This increase in cases was noticed about 3 weeks ago, and in the last 3 weeks, a total of 345 cases were reported. Now, this is compared to 70 cases that occurred during the same period in the year 2022. All age groups are affected, but most cases are seen in the 1–4 years group range and 24–45 years age group,” he said.
He confirmed that samples testing revealed 3 viruses as the cause of the gastroenteritis. “Testing of samples has revealed the cause of the sample to be the norovirus. However, the rotavirus and E. coli, 2 organisms that also cause acute gastroenteritis, were also identified.”
Dr Charles added that “This disease is transmitted by what we call the fecal–oral route, through the consumption of food and water that is contaminated with viruses and bacteria,” and recommended that infected people should seek medical care.
Dr Charles also explained that there is an increase in cases of acute respiratory infections since the start of 2023. “So far, we have seen 3,880 cases… this is compared to the long-term average of 2,354 in 2022,” he said.
Respiratory infections in Grenada are caused by several viruses circulating, including Covid-19, H1N1 (swine flu virus), human metapneumovirus ((hMPV), and rhinovirus. “All of these are circulating at the same time, and that is what is responsible for all of these cases of the cold and the flu that people are experiencing,” he said.
Alcohol based hand sanitizer DOES NOT stop Norwalk also known as Norovirus. Soap and water on hands.
First of all Norovirus is nasty. In order to disinfect surfaces you must use a mild mixture if bkeach and water leaving it on surfaces like door handles, counter tops etc. for 10 minutes to kill the virus. Then wiping the surface dry. VERY important to wash hands. Often fast food places staff are not washing hands and spreading it that way. VERY CONTAGIOUS. It has also been found on CRUISE SHIPS often. So get as clean as you were for covid to stay healthy.
With all these illness circulating within Grenada.
Can someone please help me with some information on helping the people exposed to these illness and what is the government doing to ease the the burden for some of these people.