June 06, 2024
As we get to summer, BBQs and eating out will become increasingly popular. Public Health Gibraltar and the Environmental Agency would like to remind the public about reducing the risks of getting ill over this period. Whilst food poisoning is an unpleasant but self-limiting illness, for some it can be more serious, for example in the young or the elderly.
During the summer months, we tend to hear people comment on feeling unwell, having diarrhoea, upset stomachs and vomiting. This can occur from eating under cooked food, food that has been unrefrigerated for longer than advised or swimming in a contaminated pool.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming ill and these include:
Eating eggs
Store your eggs in the refrigerator
BBQs
Cross Contamination
Temperature control
If you are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhoea, please stay away from swimming pools, as this will help prevent the spread of disease.
If you have young children who are not fully toilet trained, please ensure that they wear swimming nappies whilst in the pool.
The Director of Public Health Dr Helen Carter said: “Summer can be a fun time for all of us, but we are all susceptible to infections from food or water. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call 111 for advice, drink plenty of fluids and ensure that you try your best not to spread the infection further.”