Public Health - Gastroenteritis: 919 Cases in One Week, High Health Vigilance

Public Health - Gastroenteritis: 919 Cases Recorded in One Week, Increased Health Vigilance

With the combination of heat, humidity, and crowded restaurants, the risk of gastroenteritis has significantly increased. Health authorities are ramping up their efforts to prevent contamination during the festive season.

Gastroenteritis continues to spread across the country, fueled by high temperatures, humidity, and recent rainfall, which create ideal conditions for bacterial growth. According to data from the Ministry of Health for the period from December 1 to 6, 919 cases have been reported, compared to 906 the previous week. This slight increase is attributed by authorities to a recurring seasonal trend during the summer and festive period.

As temperatures rise, various foods become more susceptible to rapid spoilage. Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, the interim director of health services, explains that meat, poultry, eggs, and various fresh products can spoil quickly when humidity is high. This situation requires heightened vigilance, especially as year-end celebrations often lead to increased consumption of fast food, takeout meals, and food handled outdoors, thereby increasing the risk of food poisoning.

"Food poisoning cases are very common in summer. With rising temperatures, gastroenteritis cases multiply. It is recommended to cook food thoroughly, consume it fresh, and avoid leaving it at room temperature after cooking," he emphasizes.

Recent rains and particularly high humidity levels pose an additional risk: water, seasonal fruits, and even some exposed foods may become contaminated. Health authorities therefore reiterate the necessity of strict hand hygiene, using soap and water, to reduce transmission risks. Gastroenteritis causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever, and can quickly become dangerous for vulnerable individuals.

Dr. Khodabocus advises paying special attention to young children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are more likely to develop complications. "At the first signs of symptoms, it is essential to consult a health center quickly. Gastro can lead to severe dehydration or even serious forms, especially in those suffering from diabetes or hypertension," he warns.

He recommends boiling water, avoiding the consumption of fallen fruits – particularly mangoes and lychees currently in season – and keeping rehydration solutions on hand. In case of infection, heavy or spicy meals should be avoided to facilitate recovery.

In light of the rising number of cases and expected crowds during the holidays, the health department of the Ministry of Health has intensified its field interventions.

Increased Health Inspections

Daily inspections are being conducted across the island to ensure that food businesses comply with hygiene and safety standards. The festive season, characterized by increased patronage of restaurants, food courts, and fast-food outlets, necessitates heightened vigilance, which is why inspectors have been mobilized to increase the frequency of checks.

According to Devruth Gooljar from the health department, teams "operate tirelessly and will exhibit increased rigor in the coming days." He highlights that during school holidays, fast-food restaurants are particularly busy, which raises risk levels, especially with the heat and the rise in gastroenteritis cases. Inspections will primarily target establishments handling perishable goods, fast-food outlets, and mobile vendors.

Ministry figures reflect the scale of work carried out this year: between January and November 2025, 12,216 health inspections have been conducted. They resulted in 552 "improper notices" indicating violations, 12 "Prohibition orders" mandating the immediate halt of non-compliant activities, and 90 fines for serious infractions. Additionally, 40 cases of food poisoning have been officially recorded.

With increased inspections planned in the coming days, authorities hope to reduce contamination risks and remind merchants that strict adherence to hygiene standards is essential, especially during the summer season.