We are committed to improving the health of the population, and will address any increase in cases, the ministry said in a statement, in which it advised on how to curb the spread of the disease.

Gastroenteritis is a medical condition characterized by irritation or inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the stomach and small intestine.

It can affect anyone, either a child or an adult, and is usually caused by a germ or pathogen. The most common route of transmission is a virus, but it can also be triggered by bacteria.

Signs and symptoms include the sudden onset of diarrhea. These occur with or without abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and fever.

In order to reduce the chances of contracting gastroenteritis, the Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago recommended avoiding contaminated water and ice cubes, boiling tap water before use, as well as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

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