Gastrointestinal Infections On The Rise In Escambia County

March 22, 2013

Wash your hands — that’s the word from the Escambia County Health Department, which is reporting an increase in the number of contagious gastrointestinal infections in the county.

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

4 Responses to “Gastrointestinal Infections On The Rise In Escambia County”

  1. Karen on March 24th, 2013 10:32 am

    …and some people have to go to work sick because the place they work at requires them to. Don’t blame them…you call out sick, you get a write up, you get too many write ups, you’re out the door.

    I tried to call out at a previous job with a 103 fever. I was told to come in anyway as I was ‘lying’ and just wanted Saturday off. If I didn’t come in I would be fired. (Isn’t working in a ‘right-to-work’ state just FAB???)

    Sooooooooo I went in and got sent home after less than 30 min because I was visibly shaking and could barely stand. Ended up being the flu and almost going into pneumonia.

  2. IMHO on March 23rd, 2013 10:50 am

    Wash your hands people!!! Why is washing your hands such a big deal??
    Dr. Oz said this “bug” can live on surfaces for two weeks. So, your sick on Monday and go to store for some medicine. You touch this, and that, the counter, the money. Tuesday I go to buy my kids milk. Wednesday I’m sick. I also have Cancer…….
    People with weakened immune systems catch these bugs very easy and it can become life threatening. How would you feel if you found out your co-worker died because you came to work sick?
    Wash your hands…use sanitizer. And quit wiping your nose!!

  3. Norma Taylor on March 22nd, 2013 4:24 pm

    And please keep your sick children home from school, not only are other children exposed, but teachers and all other support personal. If your child is throwing up when they get on the bus, they must have had symptoms before they left home

  4. curious on March 22nd, 2013 2:32 pm

    Some People doesn’t believe in staying @ hm, some say well you could have gotten It from grocery store, or some People will go out around People with their sickness but if their kids get then their ready to fight The rules doesnt apply to them but It does to other People, It burns me up that i try to respect People &stay home but others could Care less , like we have ins. & pay deductibles if we go to Dr not to mention if baby gets It & is admitted in hospital & some People that are on medicaid & dont have co pays, so they dont care

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