Outbreak of gastroenteritis sees 40 children admitted to hospital

BOTH wards at Nicosia’s Makarios hospital are full following a recent outbreak of gastroenteritis.

At least 40 children have been admitted for treatment for the common viral infection which was brought on by fluctuating weather conditions.

Head of the hospital’s paediatric department, Dr Andreas Hadjidemetriou, said the reason a number of children needed hospitalisation was because gastroenteritis symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, which in turn brought about dehydration.

“Some children, particularly infants, need to receive fluids intravenously for their rehydration… Their treatment needs some care and monitoring,” he said.

According to Hadjidemetriou both departments, with 20 beds each, were full.

Nevertheless the gastroenteritis outbreak was a mild form and there was no cause for concern, he added.

Like with most infections, the key to prevention is to block the spread of the organism. Examples include hand washing with soap, particularly after using the toilet or eating, and eating properly prepared and stored food.

Symptoms include fever, nausea with or without vomiting, mild-to-moderate diarrhoea, and cramps and painful abdominal bloating. More serious symptoms include dehydration, weakness, light headedness, decreased urination, dry skin, dry mouth and lack of sweat and tear.

The main type of treatment includes hydration as dehydration compounds the symptoms. Clear fluids should be consumed for the first 24 hours and then gradually progress the diet as tolerated. However liquids should be consumed slowly as drinking too much too quickly could distend the stomach and worsen the nausea.

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