ON CYPRUS, AN OUTBREAK OF ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS AMONG CHILDREN HAS BEEN RECORDED

In the last 24 hours, there has been an increase in cases of acute gastroenteritis on Cyprus, predominantly affecting children under the age of 6.

According to Dr. Avraam Ilias, the head of the pediatric department at Makarios Hospital, the rise in cases is associated with the persistently low temperatures and conditions of close contact. Many infected children continue to attend school, transmitting the pathogenic microorganism to other children.

In most cases, treatment is primarily provided by pediatricians and emergency care departments. Only a small percentage of affected children end up in the hospital, mainly infants, as children under the age of 2 are at the highest risk of severe dehydration.

It is also noted that the current situation is characterized as manageable, with pediatric wards reaching a 70% occupancy rate.

The disease primarily manifests with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and low-grade fever. In light of these symptoms, doctors recommend that individuals, even in mild cases, stay at home to limit the spread of the infection.