THE cause of the recent Gastroenteritis outbreak in Region Nine has been identified and contained. Doctors, Health Officers and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) operatives carried out investigations in the areas of the reported outbreak and revealed that the outbreak was due to water borne disease contracted by residents.

In the cases of the outbreak in Aishalton, Shea, Maruranau and Awareranau, based on their findings water contamination was suspected to be the cause. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, who visited the Region, was informed by GWI representatives that in some areas, the code for setting up water pumps and wells were not adhered to.

Minister Cummings pointed out that, “What we found also is that they have this surface water and the well, it’s not covered so we hope that they would cover the wells (short term solution) and of course hygiene, wash hands, basically, hygiene to improve in that area and of course in terms of our medical supplies ensure that we have adequate oral rehydration salts (and other medication to treat with these cases).”

Water supplying wells, pumps and any pipe where water can be sourced should be erected at least 100 yards from sanitary blocks and bathroom facilities. Also it was stressed that water treatment practices should be efficiently carried out, according to the GWI.
“We were able to disseminate information in terms of how we can improve water quality, improve the hygiene, we were able to look at some wells, some pumps with Mr. Gomes, one of the Toshaos in one of the areas (Maruranau). We are hoping that we would be able to not have a reoccurrence in the future. We have sent in some medical supplies (and) we have given them bleach,” Minister Cummings added.

Meanwhile, District Doctor, Tenecia Marks, stationed in the South Rupununi told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that after receiving reports of a number of gastroenteritis infected cases, an investigation followed to determine the cause of the outbreak.
“From the water samples taken from the wells within Shea, the main bacterial colony was the E. coli bacteria and we also found Entamoeba histolytica (a protozoan parasite) in the stool samples taken from patients.” Dr. Marks explained. ( E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, other can cause diarrhea and vomiting.)

Meanwhile, Minister Cummings distributed mosquito nets for pregnant mothers. A fogging machine was also handed over to the Toshao of Shea village to assist in preventing the spread of Zika and other mosquito borne diseases in the South Rupununi.
The Minister also visited the Lethem Regional Hospital and noted that, “they have an adequate supply of drugs there and we expect great things coming out of Lethem as we strive to bring it up to a Regional Hospital.”

(GINA)