[ad_1]
By Charles Gladden
Belize City, Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency, in Belize we are facing a local health problem as cases of gastroenteritis are increasing.
Gastroenteritis, or infectious diarrhea, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) that lasts less than two weeks and includes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain with fever, lack of energy, and dehydration.
A variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi can cause gastroenteritis. Currently, many people across the country are experiencing these symptoms, and Dr. Russell Manzanero, director of the Department of Health’s epidemiology unit, told reporters at the epidemiology unit that there has been a slight increase in cases.
“We do see a trend with respiratory illnesses, like dengue and certainly (gastroenteritis), where those cases are increasing. We’ve been watching those cases since the beginning of the year. We have certain fluctuations and peaks throughout the year, but we’ve seen a slight increase this time as well,” he said.
Amandala reached out to the Department of Health’s Director of Public Health and Wellness, Dr. Melissa Diaz-Mussa, for comment, and she said she expects the numbers to go down.
“There is no increase in hospitalizations and there are no other concerns. The most likely cause is a non-specific virus… but this has been going on for a few weeks. We will see if hospitalizations decrease this week,” she said.
[ad_2]
Source link
