Gastroenteritis outbreak in Faial. How to Protect and Avoid Contagion

Dafter sp. Braga squad, another outbreak of gastroenteritis to be reported. In this case it is in Faial, in the Azores, that there has been a increased number of cases in recent days. The health authorities are already monitoring the situation. The source of the outbreak is not yet known, but there are some ways to protect itself.

“ Gastroenteritis refers to irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, including the stomach and intestine. The most common causes are viral agents, bacteria, parasites and food poisoning”, reads on the CUF health network website.

Gastroenteritis. How to protect yourself

The Health Delegation of Horta reports, in a final communiqué, that the outbreak has not yet been detected and that there is an ongoing investigation. “ The laboratory investigation to identify the agent continues and, as a precaution, the analysis of the water supply is ongoing, with no evidence to date linking the cases to the public network ", reveals the communication shared this Monday on social networks.

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The same communication reveals some ways of protecting oneself during this half uncertain phase where the origin of the outbreak is unknown. The objective is to avoid contagion and transmission.

“ The recommendations are kept simple and effective to stop the transmission: often wash your hands with soap and water; those with symptoms should stay at home until they recover and avoid preparing food for others or visiting homes and the hospital up to 48 hours after the improvement; and reinforce fluid intake.

The Horta Hospital had already left on its website a set of care to have to prevent gastroenteritis. “We suggest some precautions and procedures so that, and without jeopardizing our health, unnecessary and possibly time-consuming health services are avoided,” they begin by saying.

Among the recommendations is to avoid consuming foods that may be outdated or have doubtful conservation states. Again frequent hand washing is among the essential points in this prevention and treatment.

“Do wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom.” When presenting with some symptoms, another set of measures should be adopted. “In case of symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, contact the Azores Health Line and choose to use measures to control symptoms”

They point out that you should take a break in eating, maintain hydration, drink water, black tea or homemade cold teas, all in small sips to avoid vomiting. “When you do not experience vomiting, but just diarrhoea, keep these measures and avoid using medicines to stop diarrhoea.” Some symptoms may persist for a few days. If they get worse, contact health services.

The appeal of the authorities

Despite this increase in cases, local health authorities do not point out that there should be a general alarm. “There is no reason for alarm; there is, yes, reason to keep the simple care that interrupts the transmission”, says the health delegate of Horta, Armando Faria, who signs the communication last Monday.