By Staff Writer
A Ministry of Health (MOH) investigation has confirmed an outbreak of diarrhoea from the rotavirus with children under 5 years old the ones most affected.
“ This virus affects the stomach or the bowels or both causing severe diarrhoea and weakness,” the warning statement from the MOH explained.
“If not managed quickly may lead to severe dehydration and eventually death.”
The rotavirus is common in children and babies anywhere in the world and is very contagious.
The virus is transmitted by hand to mouth from poor personal hygiene, sanitation and contaminated water supply.
“The rotavirus is spread by faeces of the infected person/child that are passed on to another person/child either from direct head to mouth or from contaminated clothing, bedding, food, drinks, water, eating utensils, toys and any contaminated surfaces.”
The virus outbreak was noted after hospital observations in the past two weeks of an increase in the number of diarrhoea cases reported and admitted for treatment.
Most of the cases are reported from the Apia Urban Area and northwest Upolu.
As of the 22nd of July 2021 a total of 31 rotavirus cases have been confirmed by the laboratory testing.
Further testing and investigations and contract tracing are going on to measure and trace the course of transmission and people affected.
Signs and symptoms of rotavirus infection included severe diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever.
These symptoms may last 5-7 days with dehydration a serious complication.
Symptoms include dry skin, dry mouth, lack of tears, loss of energy and responsiveness, not passing urine, sunken eyes.
The Ministry warns of the need for dehydration to be detected quickly and then referred to hospital for urgent treatment as quickly as possible.
Continuing breasting feeding is a must for home care treatment with the drinking of lots of liquids such as boiled water, fresh coconuts, soup and oral rehydration solution.
The health advice is for school children to stay home if they are sick and to have them used to frequent hand washing when they return to school or other public gatherings.
There is a toll free number to call for more health information when needed of 8006440.