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Over the last weeks many people have experienced vomiting and diarrhoea. The Public Health Department Saba and the Saba Health Care Foundation are investigating the cause through laboratory testing; based on current information a virus (like Noro) seems most likely.
If you are sick:
– drink plenty of fluids (especially important for young children and the elderly)
– see a doctor if you are very ill or if there is blood in your stool
Protect yourself and others by taking extra hygiene measures to limit further spread:
– wash hands well frequently, especially after bathroom use
-clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces (like bathroom) with bleach based household cleaner
– do not prepare food for others until 2 days after symptoms disappear
Norovirus is a very contagious virus. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This leads you to have stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea and to throw up. Most people experience mild symptoms and recover within a few days.
More info: http://www.cdc.gov/features/norovirus/
When & How to Wash Your Hands
Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.
When should you wash your hands?
– Before, during, and after preparing food
– Before eating food
– Before and after caring for someone who is sick
– Before and after treating a cut or wound
– After using the toilet
– After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
– After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
– After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
– After handling pet food or pet treats
– After touching garbage
How should you wash your hands?
– Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
– Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
– Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
– Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
– Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
What should you do if you don’t have soap and clean, running water?
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of microbes on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
How do you use hand sanitizers?
– Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
– Rub your hands together.
– Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
Source: www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html