PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality's (GRDM) Bitou environmental health practitioners, in collaboration with the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health's nursing staff at Kurland Clinic, recently conducted an informative awareness session on the norovirus group of viruses.
Norovirus causes gastroenteritis resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea.
Hygiene
The gathering also focused on informing community members about the critical importance of hygiene practices.
The team provided comprehensive insights into the symptoms and effects of norovirus, preventive measures to curb its spread, proper health and hygiene practices, symptom management, and recognising signs of dehydration, with appropriate responses.
Peak seasons
The heightened need for vigilance during peak seasons when norovirus cases typically surge, was also raised.
In the second part of the programme, the GRDM team conducted a step-by-step demonstration of proper handwashing techniques, highlighting that handwashing remains the most effective method to prevent the spread of norovirus.
Preventing dehydration
They also demonstrated how to prepare a sugar-salt solution (SSS), explaining its crucial role in preventing dehydration. The importance of staying hydrated was repeatedly stressed, with the team noting that "early hydration is critical to managing symptoms and preventing severe dehydration".
Medical assistance
Participants were advised to seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms persisted.
Throughout the session, it became clear that hand hygiene plays a vital role in breaking the transmission chain of the norovirus.
Participants expressed a heightened understanding of norovirus, the significance of proper handwashing, and the preparation and use of the SSS.
They also gained valuable knowledge on managing hydration effectively. The session was interactive, with many questions raised.
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