Update on Outbreak of Illness- Red Bay Primary School

The Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams has confirmed that 23 persons (20 children and three adults) from Red Bay Primary School received treatment on Wednesday, 2nd September 2015.

Approximately 107 children and staff had reported symptoms of vomiting and/or abdominal pain after eating lunch at the school on that day.

Noting that no further cases have been reported since then, Dr. Williams also confirmed that while the school remained open, the Public Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Health and other government entities, would continue its investigation and actively monitor the situation.

Although officials are still waiting for conclusive results as to the cause of the recent illness, Dr. Williams says that the Public Health Department is confident that the kitchen facilities are adequately sanitized, following measures that include: a comprehensive testing of food samples retrieved from lunch served on the day of the outbreak; thorough cleaning of the kitchen and equipment; a post-clean-up sampling, and a number of site visits by officials from the Departments of Public Health and Environmental Health. Out of an abundance of caution, the kitchen will not be open until all the results are received and analysed.

“We want to re-assure the public that the safety of our students and school staff is of paramount importance, he added. All conclusive findings will be made known to the public and we will remain vigilant.”

For more information, contact the Public Health Department on 244-2621.

Practise Good Hygiene

The Public is urged to practise good hygiene to stem the outbreak of any gastrointestinal disease and should follow these guidelines:

• Avoid contact with those who are ill.
• Keep sick children out of schools/nurseries; stay away from work until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
• Wash your hands often, especially if you care for a sick person. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use alcohol- based hand cleaner especially after using the toilet. You can also use antiseptics such as Dettol or Savlon.
• Do not share towels, cups, or food with sick persons.
• For more information, call the Public Health Department on 244-2632 or 244-2621, or Faith Hospital on 948-2243. For sanitation advice, call the Department of Environmental Health on 949-6696 in Grand Cayman, or 948-2321 on the Brac.

Tips for good hand washing

Wash your hands often, and always after using the bathroom or playing with pets, and before eating or preparing food. Clean the whole hand, under your nails, between your fingers, and up the wrists:

• Wash for at least 15 seconds. Don’t just wipe. Scrub well.
• Rinse, letting the water run down your fingers, not up your wrists.
• Dry your hands well. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

Handling food and drink

• Always wash your hands before handling food. Handle the food as little as possible. Serve food fresh and if any is left over, store it correctly in a refrigerator. Do not ask people to visit you for a meal or drink while there is anyone with gastroenteritis in the house.
• If your work involves looking after children, sick or elderly people, or involves handling food, you must STAY OFF WORK while you are ill.

Exclusion of staff and students

• All staff should be excluded from work until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
• Children should also stay away from school/nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.