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Page Last Updated:
Wednesday, 5 November 2008 |
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Home>Media Release - Gastro prevention is better than cure
| Gannawarra Shire Council Environmental Health Officers and Health Care Facilities in Kerang and Cohuna have teamed up in an effort to educate the public and staff on the serious implications of “Gastro”.
Gastro, or gastrointestinal illness, is most commonly caused by bacteria, viruses and certain parasites. Gastro occurs when these ‘germs’ are taken in by the mouth during or after close person-to-person contact; contact with contaminated environmental surfaces and objects, food or water; or handling pets.
“Since 2006, the number of gastro outbreaks has markedly increased,” said Environmental Health Officer, Narelle O’Donoghue. “People in health care facilities are amongst the most vulnerable members of our community; they are very susceptible to disease.”
“An outbreak of gastro in a health care facility where residents and patients are elderly or immuno-compromised can be very debilitating and sometimes fatal,” said Mrs O’Donoghue. “The costs of controlling an outbreak are also substantial.”
In 2006 and again in 2008 Council’s Environmental Health Officers convened a Health Care Facility Forum in an effort to minimise the incidence of gastro outbreaks within local health care facilities and to educate the wider community. Two brochures and an information kit containing a local process for dealing with an outbreak have now been widely distributed throughout health care facilities in Kerang and Cohuna.
“The message to the public is clear, to protect yourself and others when visiting health care facilities, always follow instructions, thoroughly wash and dry your hands before and after visits, and if you have been sick, stay away for at least 48 hours after all symptoms have passed.”
“It’s really important that everyone does their bit to protect our most vulnerable citizens,” said Mrs O’Donoghue. “We all have the right to enjoy good health. When you are sick, please don’t pass your germs on to others.”
Council’s Environmental Health Officers, Bruce Pollard and Narelle O’Donoghue are available to provide advice on any infectious disease issues and can be contacted by telephoning 5450 9333. Good advice on gastroenteritis is also available via the heath component of Council’s website at www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au
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