The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – Santa Barbara and Santo Domingo of Heredia are two of the most likely areas where the most cases of diarrhea are recorded in Costa Rica. The Director of Health Surveillance, Dr. Mary Ethel Trejos, explained that this is because they are places where the water intakes are very shallow and depend on the river water.
“In the rainy season there is runoff which pollutes the water so this usually causes diarrhea. Boiling or chlorinating the water can prevent it.”
This year has seen an increase compared to 2013, according to Dr. Trejos, because there were several recorded outbreaks of shigellosis, which is a bacteria that is transmitted by fecal contamination of food or water. She said it is important to note that diarrhea can kill if not handled properly.
“The important thing with diarrhea is that the patient should stay hydrated. Also, may think it is better to stop eating, but that’s wrong; you should be given more liquid and replenish yoru gut. If the stomach is too upset, rice water can be a good substitute,” she said.
Diarrhea in most cases is a short-lived, but there are cases that require antibiotic treatment, otherwise you may endanger the health of the people around you.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
