Gastroenteritis, an infectious stomach bug, has surpassed the epidemic threshold in many northern regions of France and may be able to reach Luxembourg, the Ministry of Health reported Friday.
Due to its fast-spreading nature, the passage of this stomach flu was deemed a possibility. Gastroenteritis can affect any person and arises in many cases due to a norovirus, also known as 'winter vomiting bug' in the UK. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhoea which may last from one to several days.
There is no drug against the virus which causes gastroenteritis and it does not require antibiotic treatment as the illness is self-limiting. It is generally recommended that those affected consume plenty of fluids, as the symptoms may cause dehydration. In case of persistent diarrhoea an individual should consult a doctor for advice. In general, it is a non-exceptional episode repeated every year at the same time.
Norovirus is emitted in large quantities by a sick person, and is spread to other individuals through direct hand contact or indirect contact by touching a surface or object that was previously touched by a sick person. The virus enters the body at the moment when the virus is brought into contact, via the hand, with a mouth or nose, for example when eating finger food.
Infection can be avoided through effective hand-washing, usually lasting at least 30 seconds with the use of water and soap. The Ministry of Health advised avoiding the use of fabric towels to dry hands, opting instead for single-use paper towels. The Ministry further recommended that individuals wash their hands each time before eating, and upon leaving public transport.
For further information, contact the Health Inspectorate at +352 247 85650.
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