By Stephen Cummings
Caribbean Net News Trinidad and Tobago Correspondent
Email: stephen@caribbeannetnews.com
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Recent floods in Tobago are now being blamed for what is now said to be an outbreak of gastro-enteritis in certain parts of the island.
County Medical Officer of Health Dr Mentor Melville confirmed Friday that over 60 persons, including children, from districts throughout the island have been affected within the past week; a situation which he suggested may be as a result of contact with contaminated water.
It is also being said that within a three-day period more than 15 cases were reported at Plymouth in Tobago.
The symptoms of gastro-enteritis are primarily vomiting and diarrhoea, and occasional pain. However, Dr Melville said that though there was cause for concern all cases reported were not life-threatening. He has therefore advised all persons to seek immediate treatment once they show symptoms.
Gastro-enteritis is caused by either a virus or bacteria which result in inflammation of the stomach which then causes, vomiting and inflammation of the large bowels (which is responsible for the diarrhoea). |
