Health Ministry investigating suspected gastroenteritis related death

The Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected gastroenteritis related death.

Reports are that a child who had been taken to hospital with the condition, died.

Gastroenteritis causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

The condition, which affects both adults and children, can be contracted through bacteria, viruses or parasites, in contaminated or spoiled food, unclean water, or dirty hands.

It can cause death, especially in young children, because of dehydration.

The ministry said although this year’s weekly figures have been higher than the previous year, the case figures for the intestinal infection are not unusual.

The surveillance unit reported that so far this year, it recorded an average visitation of 107 children, under 5 years old, to facilities across the island.

Last year had 31 visits.

The ministry is urging citizens to be cautious, as cases of gastroenteritis are expected to increase during the cooler months of the year.

Parents and caregivers are being advised to pay attention to their children.

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