The Ministry of Health and Wellness said that so far this year, 429 cases of gastro have been reported, with the last three weeks showing numbers above the intervention threshold. Additionally, it said while children under age five have been affected, the majority of cases have occurred in individuals over five years old and that laboratory testing in the past month has identified Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Norovirus as the most common organisms contributing to cases of gastro. The Ministry underscored the need for members of the public, including those preparing and selling food during Crop Over festivities, to practise proper hand hygiene.

It said this includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, drying hands with disposable tissue, using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, if soap and water are unavailable, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as this is a common way that germs enter the body.

The Ministry of Health said it is also encouraging persons to employ safe food practices by buying food from vendors who follow safe food handling procedures as well as making making sure that hot and cold foods are kept at the correct temperatures. (Jamaica Gleaner)