BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados is reporting an increase in the number of cases of gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness said the increase had been noted at public and private health institutions since the end of January this year.
It said the number of cases had reached 312 over the last 13 weeks, more significant than the 42 recorded in the corresponding period in 2022. There have also been 19 cases at the end of January and 47 at the end of March.
The ministry said that although children under five have also been affected, most cases have occurred in older persons and that foodborne pathogens have been identified (bacterial and viral). Still, only some sources or events have been linked to most cases.
“Barbadians are being encouraged to practice good hand hygiene as this is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of many bacterial and viral illnesses. These practices include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended,” the ministry said.
Health officials advise that people keep unwashed hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth and avoid touching these areas as germs can enter the body this way.
It said people purchasing items to eat should ensure that vendors conduct appropriate food handling practices, such as protecting food from flies and other vectors, using suitable utensils to serve food, and maintaining hot or cold items at the correct temperatures.
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