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Public health: Rise in cases of acute respiratory infections
An average of 4,700 cases recorded each week in the various centers of the ministry
487
Jan 31, 2023 07:00
Cases of acute respiratory infections are on the rise in Mauritius. While from January 9 to 15, more than 4,600 cases had been recorded in the 5 regional hospitals of the country, almost similar to the first week of the year (4,700 cases). For the third week, the number of cases stands at 4,807 cases. And for this last week of January, the figures of which are being compiled, given the climate it has created, the trend should be upwards. This is indicated by Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, director of the Flacq hospital.
If a weekly average of 4,700 cases of acute respiratory infections was recorded for this month of January, these figures concern only the public service, while private consultations are also crowded with people suffering from flu, cough, bronchitis, etc. A rather normal situation, says Dr Fazil Khodabocus, explaining that while it is true that the winter climate generally favors the transmission of viruses more, Mauritius being a tropical country, influenza viruses circulate there throughout the year. and, above all, during periods of irregular peaks such as currently.
Indeed, the heat and ambient humidity are contributing to the circulation of viruses at this time. So many citizens, including the elderly and children, are affected. “The flu is accompanied by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and runny nose…and sometimes also vomiting and diarrhoea. Some more fragile people also develop bronchitis” , underlines doctor.
We must not trivialize the flu and consult a doctor, if the symptoms persist, insists the doctor, recalling that the current situation, with a climate sometimes hot, sometimes humid, not to mention the episodes of rain, is favorable to other increases. cases of contagious diseases within weeks. “Especially since several viruses are circulating such as H1N1 or even Covid, at the moment” , he warns.
Regarding Covid-19, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health, 25 cases had been recorded until the end of the week, with 6 admissions to the ENT hospital. One person has died from Covid in the past week. This is a 57-year-old woman who was not vaccinated against Covid and suffered from comorbidities.
Gastro: watch out for the water!
Moreover, in addition to cases of influenza and acute respiratory infections, cases of gastro and vomiting are also on the rise. This, always on the sidelines of the irregular peak period conducive to the circulation of viruses in which we are. Hence the fact that this number of cases will also increase in the coming weeks, especially after the passage of heavy showers this weekend. Last week, 947 cases of gastro were recorded in the five regional hospitals.
At the level of the public service, the nursing staff is mobilized by the influx of patients in the health centers during this rainy period. In the event of flu symptoms, Dr Khodaboccus advises patients to take a Covid-19 test as a precaution. Otherwise, treatment consists of appropriate medications prescribed by a doctor, rest and hydration, especially in case of fever.
Wearing a mask is recommended in places where there is not good ventilation. It is also better to avoid crowds so as not to spread the infection and rest at home. Moreover, as the transmission of influenza viruses is mainly by droplets, Dr. Khodaboccus emphasizes that compliance with health protocols is important as well as a healthy lifestyle, regular practice of physical activity, a healthy diet and balanced and a good sleep of about 7 to 8 hours daily. This helps to have a good immune system and to fight against stress.
Moreover, due to the heavy showers of recent days, beneficial for the reservoirs, on the other hand, it is imperative to boil the water before consuming it. At the same time, to avoid gastroenteritis, it is advisable to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, before eating or preparing meals, after using the toilet, before and after changing a diaper ; to avoid touching your mouth without washing your hands, to eat freshly cooked meals, to wash fruits and vegetables well, not to eat damaged fruits and those lying on the ground, to keep food in sheltered from insects and dust, to drink drinking water regularly and to drink soup at will to rehydrate.
In the event of gastroenteritis, food service providers must refrain from working. In case of persistent symptoms of these infections, it is recommended to be examined by a doctor in the dispensary or hospital in his area.
Public health: Rise in cases of acute respiratory infections
An average of 4,700 cases recorded each week in the various centers of the ministry
487
Jan 31, 2023 07:00
Cases of acute respiratory infections are on the rise in Mauritius. While from January 9 to 15, more than 4,600 cases had been recorded in the 5 regional hospitals of the country, almost similar to the first week of the year (4,700 cases). For the third week, the number of cases stands at 4,807 cases. And for this last week of January, the figures of which are being compiled, given the climate it has created, the trend should be upwards. This is indicated by Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, director of the Flacq hospital.
If a weekly average of 4,700 cases of acute respiratory infections was recorded for this month of January, these figures concern only the public service, while private consultations are also crowded with people suffering from flu, cough, bronchitis, etc. A rather normal situation, says Dr Fazil Khodabocus, explaining that while it is true that the winter climate generally favors the transmission of viruses more, Mauritius being a tropical country, influenza viruses circulate there throughout the year. and, above all, during periods of irregular peaks such as currently.
Indeed, the heat and ambient humidity are contributing to the circulation of viruses at this time. So many citizens, including the elderly and children, are affected. “The flu is accompanied by fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and runny nose…and sometimes also vomiting and diarrhoea. Some more fragile people also develop bronchitis” , underlines doctor.
We must not trivialize the flu and consult a doctor, if the symptoms persist, insists the doctor, recalling that the current situation, with a climate sometimes hot, sometimes humid, not to mention the episodes of rain, is favorable to other increases. cases of contagious diseases within weeks. “Especially since several viruses are circulating such as H1N1 or even Covid, at the moment” , he warns.
Regarding Covid-19, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health, 25 cases had been recorded until the end of the week, with 6 admissions to the ENT hospital. One person has died from Covid in the past week. This is a 57-year-old woman who was not vaccinated against Covid and suffered from comorbidities.
Gastro: watch out for the water!
Moreover, in addition to cases of influenza and acute respiratory infections, cases of gastro and vomiting are also on the rise. This, always on the sidelines of the irregular peak period conducive to the circulation of viruses in which we are. Hence the fact that this number of cases will also increase in the coming weeks, especially after the passage of heavy showers this weekend. Last week, 947 cases of gastro were recorded in the five regional hospitals.
At the level of the public service, the nursing staff is mobilized by the influx of patients in the health centers during this rainy period. In the event of flu symptoms, Dr Khodaboccus advises patients to take a Covid-19 test as a precaution. Otherwise, treatment consists of appropriate medications prescribed by a doctor, rest and hydration, especially in case of fever.
Wearing a mask is recommended in places where there is not good ventilation. It is also better to avoid crowds so as not to spread the infection and rest at home. Moreover, as the transmission of influenza viruses is mainly by droplets, Dr. Khodaboccus emphasizes that compliance with health protocols is important as well as a healthy lifestyle, regular practice of physical activity, a healthy diet and balanced and a good sleep of about 7 to 8 hours daily. This helps to have a good immune system and to fight against stress.
Moreover, due to the heavy showers of recent days, beneficial for the reservoirs, on the other hand, it is imperative to boil the water before consuming it. At the same time, to avoid gastroenteritis, it is advisable to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, before eating or preparing meals, after using the toilet, before and after changing a diaper ; to avoid touching your mouth without washing your hands, to eat freshly cooked meals, to wash fruits and vegetables well, not to eat damaged fruits and those lying on the ground, to keep food in sheltered from insects and dust, to drink drinking water regularly and to drink soup at will to rehydrate.
In the event of gastroenteritis, food service providers must refrain from working. In case of persistent symptoms of these infections, it is recommended to be examined by a doctor in the dispensary or hospital in his area.
