Gastroenteretis, popularly called ‘Gas’ in Jamaica, is one of the common diseases or eating disorders caused by bacteria or viral infection, says Dr Heron Edwards of Edwards Medical Centre. Other causes of gastroenteretis include the ingestion of toxic substances, allergy or intolerance to food and medications.

The disease primarily causes inflammation of the lower digestive tract, nausea, vomitting, and diarrhea, and can lead to dehydration. With medication, however, symptoms of gastroenteritis usually clear up within a few days.

The Ministry of Health has revealed that April saw huge increase in the number of cases. In the last week of the month some 965 cases were reported, which reflects an 85 per cent increase in comparison to the number of casaes reported for the same period last year. Some of the affected areas are sections of Majesty Gardens, Maxfield Avenue, Delacree Park, Union Gardens, Seaview Gardens, and Greenwhich Town. The authorities, however, predict that the cases could extend to other communities, especially those where there are constant interruption of water service.