Public Health Investigating Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak in Glace Bay, N.S.
Public Health is investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak in the Glace Bay area of Nova Scotia that has significantly affected St. Anne’s Elementary School. Dr. Ishraga Awad has issued hygiene recommendations to help prevent further spread of the illness, which causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Public Health officials are investigating an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness, commonly referred to as a stomach bug, in the Glace Bay, N.S., area. 
St. Anne’s Elementary School was particularly hard hit by the illness. The school serves approximately 350 students between pre-primary and Grade 5. Under the policies of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education, schools are required to contact Public Health if there is a 10 per cent or greater absenteeism rate due to illness.
Dr. Ishraga Awad, an associate medical officer of health with Public Health, stated that those affected have experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to Dr. Awad, the symptoms often come on quickly and seem to resolve quickly. 
To help prevent further spread of the illness, Public Health has issued several recommendations. These include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, staying home when sick, avoiding preparing ready-to-eat food with bare hands, and cleaning high-touch surfaces.