Team Herald

PANJIM: Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has issued an advisory regarding increased susceptibility of food and waterborne diseases during the summer and pre-monsoon season such as typhoid, diarrhoea, cholera, and viral hepatitis with common symptoms of waterborne and food borne infections being fever, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, jaundice, abdominal pain and fatigue.

DHS also said that all cases with the mentioned symptoms should be immediately reported to the nearest health centre or physician.

“Public is requested to take measures for prevention from waterborne and food borne infections. Public is requested to be clean, keep good personal hygiene, wash hands before handling food, during food preparation, before eating and after going to the toilet, sanitising all surfaces and equipment in  kitchen and not throwing garbage in open,” the advisory states.

It adds, “Also, separate cooking of raw and cooked food, raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods, usage of separate utensils such as knives and cutting boards for handling raw foods, cooking food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, bringing foods like soups and stews to a boil to make sure that they have reached 70 degrees, consuming freshly-cooked food and boiled water.”

DHS has also appealed to public to use safe water, select fresh and wholesome foods, choose foods processed for safety, such as pasteurised milk, wash fruits and vegetables, especially if eaten raw, do not use food beyond its expiry date. 

It goes on to add, “Do not consume water, milkshakes, fruit juices and eatables from roadside vendors. And also be careful what you eat, unpasteurised milk, non-bottled drinks, uncooked food should be avoided. Use boiled water or bottled mineral water (now available everywhere), travellers should be aware of the importance of oral rehydration fluids containing salt and glucose for countering dehydration.”