By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

The Community Advocacy Program of the Bureau of Public Health asked the community remain vigilant despite a decrease in the cases of gastroenteritis.
Dr. Isebong Asang , coordinator of the program said that as of yesterday, gastroenteritis cases reach 700.
Asang however said the number of new cases is slowing down with an average of a maximum of 10 cases a day.
Asang said the program continues to conduct preventive measure campaign and it has been intensified with planned awareness projects in schools.
She also added that a portion of the Belau National Hospital is still cordoned off and exclusively for the gastroenteritis patients’ use.
She said these are measures put in place to avert the virus from spreading.
Last Monday, the cases were pegged at 655, with Asang noting that although there are still new cases, the numbers are going down.
Again Asang said parents have 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.