An alert has been issued for a popular holiday destination after more than 130 people went down with severe stomach illnesses. In an update it emerged that 66 new cases of viral gastroenteritis were reported in Chania, Crete, in just 24 hours, news site Kathimerini reported.
Agios Georgios Hospital manager, said that seven of the patients were children aged 2 to 15. This follows on from others going down with the potentially serious illness, bringing the total number to 133 cases. Mr Georgios said: “Gastroenteritis is spreading fast right now and it’s the biggest outbreak we’ve had in a while.”
A significant number of those affected are students from Crete’s Polytechnic University, which has temporarily closed its dining hall. Teams from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) are conducting tests on the city’s water system to rule out any other possible causes.
It is thought that food is unlikely to be the cause as those treated at Chania Hospital’s emergency department did not share close contact or common habits, such as eating at the same restaurant or attending the same public event. People in close contact with those infected are also going down with the illness, including family and friends.
A the start of the week, sixty people with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis were urgently admitted to a hospital in Crete. The NHS says Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
It said: “Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus. Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus (the ‘winter vomiting bug’) or bacterial food poisoning. Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home until you’re feeling better.”
Symptoms of gastroenteritis
The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are:
- sudden, watery diarrhoea
- feeling sick
- vomiting, which can be projectile
- a mild fever
Some people also have other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, an upset stomach, aching limbs and headaches.
If you have gastroenteritis
- drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; you need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup
- take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
- get plenty of rest
- if you feel like eating, try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread
- use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine
- take anti-vomiting medication (such as metoclopramide) and/or antidiarrhoeal medication (such as loperamide) if you need to – some types are available from pharmacies, but check the leaflet that comes with the medicine; you can also ask your pharmacist or GP for advice about whether they’re suitable
Preventing gastroenteritis
- stay off work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed – you or your child should also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time
- ensure you and your child wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food – don’t rely on alcohol hand gels, as they’re not always effective
- disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated – it’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner
- wash contaminated items of clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash
- flush away any poo or vomit in the toilet or potty and clean the surrounding area
- practice good food hygiene: make sure food is properly refrigerated, always cook your food thoroughly, and never eat food that is past its use-by date