More people reporting stomach illness in Arviat, says GN

With an increase in cases of gastroenteritis in Arviat, Nunavut’s Health Department is urging people to protect themselves and prevent it from spreading.

The illness is not unusual for this time of year and can be spread easily from person to person, said the department Monday in a public health advisory.

Gastroenteritis, which is also known as stomach flu, is an inflammation in the digestive system that can lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever or diarrhea. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins or parasites.

Most people who are infected get better within one to three days, according to the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To avoid gastroenteritis, the health advisory urges people to wash their hands often, clean household surfaces with hot soapy water, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid unnecessary contact with those who are sick.

Further, to decrease the risk of spread to family members, those who have symptoms should not prepare meals and should avoid contact with babies. As well, dirty laundry should be washed and dried at a high temperature, the advisory said.

People with symptoms can remain at home unless the symptoms become severe and involve weakness and dehydration.

If symptoms become severe, the Health Department advises people to seek medical advice from a health practitioner.