Monmouth County Health Dept. Investigates Intestinal Illness

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Health Department is investigating an increase in cases of gastrointestinal illnesses and telling residents to be diligent about hand washing.

In the past week, Monmouth County has seen an increase in cases of gastrointestinal illnesses. The symptoms include: abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting lasting 24 to 48 hours, health officials said.

The health department is encouraging adults and children to stay home if ill and to be diligent about hand washing especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

Those with symptoms should stay home for 24 hours after symptoms have stopped to avoid spreading the virus to others. People involved in a food handling occupation should stay home 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, health officials said.

“The best way to protect yourself from GI illness is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness,” said Christopher Merkel, Monmouth County public health coordinator. “Contrary to popular opinion, hand sanitizers are not effective in protecting you from this type of illness. Soap and water is the best and most effective way to reduce the likelihood you will get a GI illness.”

Efforts are being made to identify the specific illness through laboratory testing.

(Hand washing, Arlington County, Va.)