Separate places are being created for children in the Emergency Department (ED) of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP). “The crowd is so great that the current children’s room does not offer enough space to accommodate the children with symptoms,” said Health Minister Amar Ramadhin. The ministry is in consultation with the general practitioners to offer more accessibility to the care recipient. The opening hours of some RGD outpatient clinics will also be extended.
After an investigation, the Ministry of Health has received a report that the rotavirus is the causative agent of the viral gastroenteritis outbreak in Suriname. A rotavirus infection is a contagious disease in which inflammation of the stomach and intestines occurs. Minister Ramadhin says there has been an increase in reports of children with symptoms caused by the virus in the past 24 hours.
“The rotavirus is a known pathogen. The practitioners will also adjust the medical supervision and treatment for these children accordingly,” said the minister. He emphasizes that it is important for the epidemiological analysis that the spread of the virus is taken into account.
Minister Ramadhin says that in addition to children, the very elderly should also be taken into account. “They are also a risk group, because of lower resistance.” The minister indicates that the information from the Ministry of Health will be geared to the rotavirus.
The virus is in the feces of someone who is infected. Hand washing is the most useful preventive measure. The practice of adequate hygiene is most important in preventing exposure of children to other children with gastroenteritis.
Hand hygiene is performed with soap and water or using ethanol-based hand alcohol. The minister notes that it is crucial to step out of the chain of contamination. “Prevention is only possible by following good hygienic measures”.