The suspected Acute Diarrhoeal Disease (ADD) in Region One (Barima/Waini) is being monitored closely.

This was according to Dr Narine Singh, Director of Regional Health Services (RHS), with the latest on the illness which has left five persons dead in the region.

Singh pointed out that to date there have been approximately 100 reported cases of ADD.

He explained that the cases were first seen in May in small numbers and of late it was at peak point; and a decline is possible.

Dr Singh explained that the deaths were as a result of persons delaying and ultimately denying themselves much needed medical attention.

Singh said there are four health care delivery centres in the three sub-districts of Region One.

These include the Mabaruma Hospital and the Kumaka District Hospital in sub-district one; the Port Kaituma Hospital in sub-district two; and Matthew’s Ridge Hospital in sub-district three.

The RHS Director pointed out, “thankfully,” that more and more persons have been visiting their hospitals and health centres and have also been heeding the advice of the team of health workers that have been in the area since last week.

They took infusions and rehydration solutions to the community to assist those afflicted with ADD.

In addition, the health workers have collected specimens that will be sent to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) for testing to verify what is causing the sickness.

To this end, Singh reported that the tested samples showed no signs of a bacterial agent as the cause of ADD.

It is assumed that the illness’ is viral in nature, but further tests need to be made.

Singh said that the recommended steps to battle ADD include:

* Observing good personal hygiene, like washing hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food, and after defecation, and

* Observing good food hygiene, through avoiding consumption of raw food, specially for high risk persons like the elderly, children and pregnant women.

ADD can be triggered by a number of different agents and its patients suffer from a sudden onset of frequent looseness of bowels or watery stool, usually accompanied by vomiting and fever.

Normally outbreaks like this occur in clusters; but this is a bit abnormal as the occurrences are spread across the region,” according to Dr Singh.