Stomach bug hits workforce

One million cases of gastroentiritis are reported in NI each year

Over 500,000 working days are lost in Northern Ireland each year to the stomach bug acute gastroenteritis, a survey has revealed.

With one million cases of the illness reported in the province every year, tens of millions of pounds are being lost in earnings as workers take time off.

A further 2.2 million cases are reported in the Republic of Ireland, where one million working days are lost.

The year-long study, involving 10,000 households, was the work of health organisations on both sides of the border.

The joint investigation discovered that in any four-week period, 5.4% of the Northern Ireland population and 4.1% of those in the Irish Republic would be struck down by gastroenteritis.

The totals amounted to six in 10 of the population suffering an episode of the bug at some stage of the year.

Abdominal pain

Dr Brian Smyth, of the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, said the study examined the scale and magnitude of the problem by looking at the levels of illness in the community rather than solely at the point where individuals made contact with the health services.

"Acute gastroenteritis is a common but frequently preventable illness that most people have experienced," he said.

Dr Brian Smyth said the bug carried significant economic costs

"It is under-reported because most people do not seek medical help for their symptoms.

"These can include diarrhoea, vomiting or a combination of both: abdominal pain, cramps and fever. The mainstay of treatment is fluid replacement and attention to hygiene to prevent spread to others."

Dr Smyth said in its acute form, the bug was an important public health problem with significant economic cost.

The report estimated that for 16% of those in Northern Ireland with acute gastroenteritis, they or a member of their family had to take time off work due to their own or their child's illness.

With 500,000 working days a year lost in Northern Ireland, it equated to £37.5m in lost earnings alone, said the report.

The research group recommend that by implementing simple, low tech measures such as proper hand washing and following the rules of safe food preparation, the burden of illness can be reduced.