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Gastrointestinal Infections On The Rise In Escambia County
August 3, 2012
Gastrointestinal infections are on the rise in Escambia County, and the Escambia County Health Department is urging area residents to practice proper hygiene to prevent illness.
According to the health department:
Gastrointestinal infections can be highly contagious and are usually spread through contaminated food or drinking water, person to person contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and headache.
Most gastrointestinal infections can be prevented with proper hygiene practices, clean drinking water, and safe food preparation. The best way to avoid contracting or spreading these infections is to take the following precautions:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Use proper hand washing practices by rubbing soapy water on hands and under fingernails for 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Cook foods properly and wash fruits and vegetables before serving. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for preparing meats or fish and vegetables or fruits.
If you become ill, stay home. If your child becomes ill, keep him/her out of school or childcare until free from symptoms for 48 hours.
If you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, do not prepare food for other people.
Thoroughly disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
Immediately remove and wash possibly contaminated clothing or linens after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting.
Treatment for gastrointestinal illnesses includes drinking plenty of clear fluids and getting plenty of rest. Dehydration is a serious concern, especially among elderly adults and young children, so it is important to maintain proper fluid replacement. If symptoms are severe, such as bloody stool or high fever, it is recommended that you contact your doctor.
Comments
9 Responses to “Gastrointestinal Infections On The Rise In Escambia County”
David I live near that area and I have been sick since Wednesday night…..I thought the late boil water issue was part of it
Are they up near the location of the main break, the one which got a “boil water” notice a few days after the repair?
I knew of one in that area who suspected that was the cause of gastrointestinal problems suffered.
David wondering
Please!! If your sick or your kids are sick and coughing please don.t go out to eat..
No one will ever suggest local seafood as the culprit will they? The lab created microbes that BP dumped into the waters along with the Corexit and oil mix have become highly toxic. It has killed and deformed many of the Gulf inhabitants. the oil is still around and contains very high amounts of a potentially deadly, antibiotic resistant, bacteria. People are swimming in this and continue to est the creatures who live in it. Sooner or later it is bound to build up the bacteria in the digestive tract… But ya won’t hear that in the media…..
I’ve had it a week…gets better, but not quite gone. Took all my energy too
hmmm, i too wonder why the increase, my boyfriend has had these symptoms for about 2 months now, i had them for abut 2 weeks but related it to pregnancy
huge outbreak of dysentery at my family members prison last week- its about 3 hours away from pensacola though- health dept FINALLY came this time to see how it originated- visitaion was halted due to the quarantine..
Public bathrooms can be hazardous to your health. People should ALWAYS wash their hands after bathroom visits (and sometimes before too) – even in their own homes.
I keep my fridge at 33 degrees and I keep alcohol and hydrogen peroxide in spray bottles in the kitchen for counter-tops, and appliances. Certain meat items that come in a can sometimes can be a little on the bad side and cause these symptoms also. Ask me how I know……lol Also, mayo that’s left out of the fridge too long, then used can cause salmonella – just like using cracked eggs. Salmonella is like having typhoid dysentery, Dr. Stewart said.
Wonder why the sudden increase? Just a virus running it’s course or is there a source, such as a particular food item? I’ve talked to several people who have been battling stomach issues on and off for several weeks now. Funny thing is, none of them are related, but all had been to Pensacola before they all fell I’ll.