Gastrointestinal Symptoms Spreading Among Children

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What Ails You

Saturday, 26 February 2011 06:55

By D Francis

Health care workers and parents are being challenged by an outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting among children. One mother told Caribarena.com, “I have to be home with my three young children, who are down with this thing, and I am yet to hear from the Ministry of Health officially on what we must do.

I try to seek whatever little knowledge I can from who I know can to help to deal with it.”

There has been no official statement from the Ministry of Health, but one doctor assigned to a government clinic said over the last few weeks, she has seen up to a dozen patients daily affected by dehydration.

Children make up the majority, although young adults and the elderly have also been seeking treatment.

According to the doctor, the problem is resolved fairly quickly in teens, but lingers among children and especially those over 80, based on the status of their immune system.

Questioned further, she said many people are still drinking water from their tanks without purification, and dry, dusty environments can contaminate these water catchments, resulting in certain diseases.

She also urged parents to enforce hand washing among children, especially after using the toilet, and the regular use of hand sanitizers.

She said there are reports that some pharmacies have run out of Pedialyte, a product commonly used for children suffering from diarrhea and vomiting. The doctor also expressed concern about the demand at the Medical Benefits Scheme for oral rehydration fluids and whether enough is available for widespread treatment.

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“Are people using the right remedy?" the doctor asked. "They should seek professional advice. Like some persons think that orange juice and milk may help, but these can worsen the symptoms."

She urged health officials to mount an official education campaign to assist with curbing the spread of these symptoms.

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