PHILIPSBURG--Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says in connection with safe food preparation at home, or grabbing a bite from food kiosks, street-market vendors, booth-holders and other points of sale, it is essential to observe safe food-handling practices at any one of those locations for patrons to have a safe Carnival season.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestine, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria or to food-poisoning toxins and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Laboratory testing is recommended to identify the specific virus associated with the gastroenteritis.
Unsafe food poses global health threats, endangering everyone. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable.
Food can become contaminated at any point of production and distribution, and the primary responsibility lies with food producers and consumers. A large proportion of foodborne disease incidents are caused by foods improperly prepared or mishandled at home or in food service establishments.
The symptoms associated with gastroenteritis are diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, fever and headache. The most common symptoms are vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhoea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). To ensure proper diagnosis, care and treatment, consult your physician and for confirmation you must be referred to the lab by the physician.
The infection can spread when bacteria found in faeces or vomit is transferred to other objects. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. It is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food infected with the bacteria.
To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; regularly clean hard surfaces/counters and wipe down with Clorox solution. Make it a routine habit to adhere to proper hand hygiene and cough etiquettes.
“If you are a food handler or a caretaker and you are diagnosed with gastroenteritis, with your physician’s consultation you should remain at home and practice good hygiene while you recuperate,” said CPS.
This will help to mitigate the further spread of gastroenteritis cases within the community.
“Be on the alert and help minimise the spread of diseases by taking the necessary hygienic and preventive steps. Proper hand hygiene helps in preventing bacteria and germs,” CPS said on Thursday.
For more information call CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322 or 542-1570; or email
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