Due to the high heat and high humidity, the number of cases of gastroenteritis continues to increase. A total of 4,031 cases were thus reported in public health centers from January 29 to February 18, 2024. From 1,246 during the week of January 29 to February 4, the number increased successively to 1,308 (5 to February 11) and 1,477 (February 12 to 18). This figure does not take into account the number of cases recorded in private health centers.
In addition, unfortunately, some people practice self-medication, thus trivializing the disease, which can lead to serious consequences such as dehydration, says Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, public health physician. “Due to high humidity and heat, some foods are more at risk than others and can easily spoil. These are meat, poultry, seafood and milk, in which microbes find ideal growth conditions,” says our interlocutor. The latter also emphasizes that it is important to cook foods well and not leave those that are already prepared at room temperature for more than two hours. Fruits and vegetables must be washed well beforehand if they are eaten raw, particularly.
And to avoid the risk of cross-contamination, all foods placed in the refrigerator must be closed in airtight containers to prevent any contact between raw foods and those ready to be consumed. Individuals most likely to have complications include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
