Ministry Of Health Reports Rise In Gastroenteritis

Health officials have recorded a recent increase in gastroenteritis cases and they are urging the public to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the illness, particularly during the Crop Over season.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness stated that so far this year, 429 cases of gastro have been reported, with the last three weeks showing numbers above the intervention threshold.  

Additionally, while children under age five have been affected, the majority of cases have occurred in individuals over five years old. Laboratory testing in the past month has identified Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Norovirus as the most common organisms contributing to cases of gastro.

The Ministry emphasised the need for members of the public, including those preparing and selling food during Crop Over festivities, to practise proper hand hygiene. 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
• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as this is a common way that germs enter the body.

Ministry of Health officials also encouraged persons to employ safe food practices by:

• Buying food from vendors who follow safe food handling procedures
• Ensuring food is protected from flies and other pests
• Making sure that hot and cold foods are kept at the correct temperatures – hot foods above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and cold foods 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or below
• Ensuring utensils are used to serve food safely

Ministry of Health and Wellness

Author: Melissa Rollock

Publish: July 23, 2025