Cape Town and the wider Western Cape are currently experiencing an increase in cases of viral gastroenteritis, also known as “stomach flu”.
These cases are particularly common among children and travellers.
Last month, health authorities in the city were alerted after a small number of passengers aboard the Seven Seas Voyager reported symptoms consistent with a stomach bug when the vessel docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises confirmed to media at the time that several guests on the 14-day voyage experienced vomiting and diarrhoea before arrival, prompting enhanced sanitation measures on board and monitoring by local officials.
Health officials continually urge good hygiene, safe food and water practices to prevent spread, especially during warmer weather when bacterial and viral illnesses circulate more easily.
What are the symptoms of stomach flu/gastroenteritis?
Despite the name, the “stomach flu” isn’t caused by influenza. It’s usually a viral infection (such as norovirus or rotavirus) that inflames the stomach and intestines.
Common symptoms are diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and fever or fatigue.
These symptoms typically start within a few days of exposure and can last anywhere from one day to up to two weeks, depending on the virus and the person’s immune response.
What to do if you have stomach flu
1. Rest and hydrate
Sip plenty of fluids. Drink as much water, oral rehydration solutions, clear broths or electrolyte drinks as you can to prevent dehydration.
It would also help to avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary sodas.
2. Eat lightly when ready
Gradually eat bland foods like toast, rice, bananas or crackers once vomiting decreases. Avoid spicy, fatty or heavy meals until fully recovered.
3. Practice good hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Alcohol sanitiser alone may not be enough for stomach bugs.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces and avoid sharing towels, dishes, or utensils with others.
4. Stay at home
Don’t try to “grin and bear” through it. Stay off work, school or daycare until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped to avoid infecting others.
5. Seek medical help if…
- You or a child shows signs of severe dehydration (little or no urination, dizziness, dry mouth)
- Symptoms last longer than a few days
- There’s blood in the stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain or inability to keep fluids down
Prevention tips
While you can’t avoid all infections, you can reduce risk:
Wash hands often with soap and water.
Cook foods thoroughly and keep raw foods separate from cooked ones.
Drink safe, treated water and avoid questionable food sources.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces.
For young children, vaccines (like rotavirus vaccine) significantly decrease severe diarrhoeal disease where available
IOL
Yasmine Jacobs
iol.co.za