SVG records 355 gastroenteritis cases in 20 days 

By Admin. Updated 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment said it is urging Vincentians to get tested for the Norovirus after 355 cases of gastroenteritis were recorded between March 2 to 22nd, 2025.

In an April 1 press release, the ministry said of the 355 cases reported, eight (8) tested positive for the Norovirus. 

It said testing of the Norovirus requires a stool sample test (RT-PCR) to confirm the presence of the virus by detecting the virus’s DNA in a stool. 

The ministry is therefore urging alerting the public to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis like the norovirus, a highly contagious virus. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and body aches. While norovirus infections are usually mild and short-lived, they can cause severe dehydration, in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The public is advised to visit their nearest healthcare provider and ask about testing for the virus if they experience three or more watery stool and vomiting within a twenty-four-hour period. 

Norovirus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person vomiting or diarrhea, consuming contaminated food or water, touching contaminated surfaces, or touching the eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed eyes.

Given the easy transmission of the virus, the Ministry urges all Vincentians to take the following precautionary measures, which include  Getting tested for Norovirus, washing hands frequently, practicing proper food hygiene, among others.