The Ministry of Health is urging persons to take the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of gastro-enteritis.

In a release, the ministry says it generally records an increase in the total number of cases of gastro-enteritis at this time of year and so is warning that parents in particular take steps to protect children from the illness.

Gastro-enteritis is a disease spread mainly by contaminated water or food and by dirty hands or utensils. It is highly contagious. If left untreated it can cause death by dehydration, which may be as a result of the excess vomiting and diarrhoea associated with the illness if fluids are not replaced quickly. Children and the elderly are most at risk.

Director, Family Health Services, Dr Karen Lewis Bell, said in the release, that the best ways to reduce the spread of gastroenteritis include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, before preparing and eating food and drink and before breastfeeding or taking care of infants, children or the elderly.

She added: "Persons should look out for the signs of dehydration and seek immediate medical care so that they can be adequately treated in a timely manner.

Symptoms of gastro-enteritis include vomiting, diarrhoea or running belly, fever and stomach gripes. The most important aspect in the care of persons with gastro-enteritis is to replace the fluids lost by frequently giving small amounts of clear fluids such as coconut water, oral rehydration fluid or plain boiled water.