More than 100 cases of gastrointestinal illness have been reported at Rhodes University in Makhanda, prompting a public health response as authorities investigate the cause of the outbreak.
The university recorded 111 cases, according to reports this week, with provincial health authorities and other stakeholders helping investigate and contain the illness.
The cause has not yet been confirmed.
The outbreak has made South Africans alert to the importance of recognising the symptoms of gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as a stomach bug, and knowing when the illness requires medical attention.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. It can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces.
While many cases improve within a few days, the illness can cause dehydration, which can become dangerous if fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting are not replaced.
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
Symptoms can develop suddenly and vary in severity, depending on the cause of the infection.
According to health guidance, the most common symptoms include:
- Diarrhoea: Frequent, loose or watery stools.
- Nausea: Feeling sick or experiencing an unsettled stomach.
- Vomiting: This may occur alongside diarrhoea or on its own.
- Stomach cramps: Abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Fever: Some people develop a raised temperature.
- Loss of appetite: You may not feel like eating.
- Headaches and body aches: Some people experience general weakness, fatigue or aching limbs.
Symptoms can vary, and not everyone will experience all of them.
Warning signs of dehydration
One of the biggest risks associated with gastroenteritis is dehydration, which occurs when the body loses more fluid and salts than it takes in.
Repeated episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting can cause fluid loss, making it particularly important to drink enough fluids while recovering.
Watch out for these signs of dehydration:
- Passing urine less frequently than usual.
- Dark-coloured urine.
- A dry mouth and increased thirst.
- Dizziness or light-headedness, particularly when standing up.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
- Sunken eyes.
In babies and young children, warning signs include fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, a lack of tears when crying and unusual sleepiness.
Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect dehydration. Severe dehydration can require hospital treatment.
What should you do if you develop a stomach bug?
If you develop symptoms of gastroenteritis, there are steps you can take to help manage the illness and reduce the risk of complications.
1. Drink plenty of safe fluids
Replacing lost fluids is the priority. Take frequent, small sips of water, especially if you feel nauseous or are vomiting.
An oral rehydration solution (ORS), available from pharmacies, can help replace water and essential salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. Prepare it according to the instructions on the packet, using safe water.
2. Get enough rest
Give your body time to recover. Stay home or in your residence room where possible while you are unwell, and avoid close contact with others.
3. Eat when you feel able to
You do not need to force yourself to eat. Start with foods you can tolerate and avoid foods that make your symptoms worse.
4. Be cautious with medication
Do not take antibiotics unless they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, and the appropriate treatment depends on the cause.
Speak to a healthcare professional or pharmacist before taking medication to stop diarrhoea, particularly if you have a fever or blood in your stools.
5. Know when to get medical help
Seek urgent medical attention if you cannot keep fluids down, have bloody diarrhoea, experience severe or persistent abdominal pain, develop a high fever or show signs of significant dehydration.
Confusion, fainting, extreme weakness or very little to no urine can also indicate a serious problem. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions may be at greater risk of complications and should seek medical advice early.
How can you prevent the stomach bug from spreading?
Gastroenteritis can spread quickly in environments where people share bathrooms, dining facilities and communal spaces.
To reduce the risk of infection, pay extra attention to hygiene. This includes:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or handling food.
- Drink safe water and use it when preparing food or brushing your teeth.
- Follow official water-safety advice, including boiling and cooling water or using bottled water where advised.
- Avoid ice and uncooked food washed with untreated water.
- Avoid preparing food for other people while you are ill.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, including taps, toilet handles and door handles.
- Do not share towels, cutlery or eating utensils while symptomatic.
- Stay away from work, classes and communal activities while ill, and follow medical or institutional guidance on when it is safe to return.
People with vomiting or diarrhoea should take particular care with hand hygiene, as the germs responsible for gastroenteritis can spread through contaminated hands and surfaces.
What is the cause of the Rhodes outbreak?
As of Wednesday, the cause of the gastrointestinal illnesses reported at Rhodes University had not been confirmed.
The university said it was working with public health authorities and environmental health practitioners to establish the cause and extent of the illnesses. Precautionary measures included urgent water-quality testing at residences, the provision of safe drinking water in dining halls and additional precautions around food preparation.
Students experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps or fever have been advised to maintain hydration and seek medical advice.
IOL