By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

People diagnosed with gastroenteritis have reached 620, according to the Community Advocacy Program of the Bureau of Public Health.
Dr, Isebong Asang, coordinator of the program said the figure is as of yesterday and again reminded the community about preventive measures to take to avert the spread of the virus.
Asang said there is also a rise in the median age of persons affected by the illness.
She noted that the median age is now 18 years old.
Asang said it is very important for parents to remind their children to always wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating.
She added as classes begin, school children should bring sanitizers. Children who are sick with gastroenteritis should not be allowed to go to school until after 48 hours of getting well.
The signs and symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and sometimes fever with abdominal pain and cramps.
It added that the stool is usually watery and in severe cases may contain blood and /or mucus.
Severe cases of gastroenteritis are people with bloody diarrhea.
The disease may last several days to a few weeks with average of four to seven days.
The Division of Environmental Health said that in order to prevent further spread of the illness , food handlers who are sick must not prepare food for other people and should not work until at least two days after the symptoms have stopped.
The division has also asked managers to ensure that the staff do not work while ill and should notify the division if any of the staff have the illness and ensure that the cleaning is thorough and includes staff facility areas such as toilets and bathrooms.
The public is also reminded to wash their hands properly especially after going to the bathroom or before preparing food.
The ministry has also reminded the public to take extra precaution if there is an event such as funerals where there is likely to be a lot of community preparation of food.
The ministry added that those suffering from the illness should drink plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids.