By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon new staff

Cases of gastroenteritis are slowing down.
According to the Community Advocacy Program of the Bureau of Public Health, as of 3 p.m. yesterday , there were 655 people diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
On Thursday last week, the cases of the viral illness were at 620.
The cases as of yesterday are only 35 more than the statistic last time.
Again, Dr, Isebong Asang, coordinator of the program said the figure reminded the community about preventive measures to take to avert the spread of the virus.
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.
The disease may last several days to a few weeks with average of four to seven days.
Those that were admitted to the hospital suffered dehydration.