Health officials in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are raising the alarm over a significant spike in gastrointestinal illnesses, urging the public to drastically improve their hygiene habits ahead of the highly anticipated Carnival season.
During a recent Ministry of Health press conference, Chief Health Promotion Officer Shanika John -Trent revealed that the number of gastrointestinal cases across various age groups has surpassed expected levels. According to the health department’s latest data, there have been 240 reported cases among children under the age of five, a figure that is considered “way over” the standard threshold. The situation is equally concerning for older demographics, with 895 cases recorded among those aged five and older. This represents a surge of more than 30% past the expected threshold for this time of year.
Health authorities have directly linked the outbreak to a decline in basic sanitation practices. John explicitly stated that individuals are not washing their hands enough when eating, touching, or mingling, which is directly causing people to fall ill with vomiting and diarrhea. She issued a strong plea for adults to practice better hand hygiene and to actively encourage children to wash their hands more frequently.
The surge in illnesses comes at a critical time as the nation prepares for its Carnival season, which traditionally brings an influx of visitors and numerous mass gathering events. Health officials warn that the increased movement of people across the islands creates a heightened risk for potential outbreaks to spread further.
The Minister of Health echoed these hygiene concerns, expressing disappointment that the diligent handwashing and sanitizing habits adopted by the public during the COVID-19 pandemic have largely been abandoned. The Minister stressed the importance of returning to the “basics” of primary school hygiene, reminding the public that germs can easily linger on shared surfaces like counters and be transferred to the mouth.
To further combat the spread of illness during the festivities, the Ministry is also cracking down on food safety. The Minister strongly advised the public against purchasing meals from uncertified food vendors. “Food handlers have to be certified for your own protection,” the Minister warned, emphasizing that alcohol consumption does not kill the germs found in improperly prepared food.
In response to these health threats, the Ministry of Health is currently working alongside the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to conduct mass gathering training, which will enhance the surveillance and supervision of Carnival events to better protect public health.