A significant increase in rates of diarrhoea and vomiting illness has prompted the Ministry of Health to issue a high-level warning.

The Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit raised the alert because the number of cases of gastroenteritis is unusually large compared with the five-year average for this time of year.

The ministry said there was no single common cause in the lab-verified cases that had been reported.

A spokeswoman said: “If you become ill, you should contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about your symptoms. Your doctor may wish to test for the cause.

“Seek prompt medical attention if you or a person in your care is severely ill due to the risk of dehydration. This is especially important for young children and seniors.”

Members of the public can help to prevent the spread of infection by staying at home until they are well.

A ministry advisory says: “Those who have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea should not go to work and should not handle or prepare food for others while ill.

“Professional food handlers and caregivers should consult a physician or the Department of Health before returning to work. Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not attend a summer camp or daycare centre until 48 hours from the last episode of diarrhoea. Children in diapers with diarrhoea should not use wading/swimming pools.

“While you are ill or caring for someone who is ill, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating; hand sanitiser may be used if the hands are not visibly dirty.

“Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean. Disinfect contaminated surfaces, eg, kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces.

“As a general precaution, cook and store food appropriately, keep hot food hot (at 140ºF), and cold food refrigerated (at 40ºF or below.) Use bottled water when travelling in countries where the water supply might be unsafe.

“In Bermuda, the Department of Health recommends that tank water be disinfected before it is used for drinking or food preparation — common methods include boiling, ultraviolet light, and chlorination.”

The Department of Health advised that thorough hand washing was an important way of reducing the risk of transmitting illness.

• For more information, see the fact sheet the bottom of the page at www.gov.bm/articles/ministry-reports-increase-diarrhoea-and-vomiting-illness-community