Source of Gastroenteritis Outbreak in Grand Turk Still Not Identified

Three weeks into the outbreak of gastroenteritis in Grand Turk and the causative agent has still not been identified.

However, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at a press briefing on Thursday, reported that collaborating agencies, including the Center for Disease Control (CDC), continue to investigate the matter.

The cruise port remains closed, but is expected to be opened on April 1. Last week, Ewing noted that the cruise port, the source of the capital’s major economic activities, was expected to be opened on Monday (March 25).

According to him, the economic cost of having the cruise port closed is still being assessed – a cost that includes the head tax paid to Government and merchants servicing the ports.  The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, on Tuesday, issued a public statement that it is closely monitoring the situation in Grand Turk.

The outbreak was first reported earlier this month and the first set of samples was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing. The Premier reported that some of these cases are norovirus, but stressed that no conclusions are being drawn until the source is identified.

The Ministry has stressed the importance of minimizing the opportunities to spread illness-causing germs by practicing proper food safety and personal hygiene measures at all times.

It is also reminding all stakeholders to educate clients and patients about proper food safety and hygiene practices as well as of their obligations to report cases of diarrhea or vomiting to the Ministry in a timely manner.

Anyone who experiences diarrhea and or vomiting has been urged to report to their nearest healthcare provider and avoid going to work until their symptoms have resolved. The situation continues to be monitored.