Photo: Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Southeast Public Health is warning residents to take extra precautions as cases of infectious gastrointestinal illness increase in the Kingston area.
The illness affects the stomach and intestines and most often causes diarrhea. Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, fever, and feeling very tired or weak.
Health officials say these illnesses can spread easily from person to person, especially in shared spaces like homes, schools and childcare centres.
People who are sick are being told to stay home and avoid work, school, daycare and recreational activities. Officials recommend remaining at home for at least 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped to help prevent spreading the illness to others.
Proper handwashing is also a key step. The health unit says hands should be washed often with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food, and after using the washroom or changing diapers. Hand sanitizer may not be effective against some of these viruses.
Residents are also being reminded to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs while sick. They should wait at least two weeks after symptoms end before returning to the water.
Anyone experiencing severe symptoms or diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours is advised to contact a health-care provider.
More information on preventing the spread of stomach illnesses is available through Southeast Public Health.
