News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Stomach illness up in Marion County

When it comes to washing hands, the message from the Marion county health department is clear--wash them good. Health officials have seen a big jump so far this year in the number of stomach illnesses they think are caused by poor hand washing, and are asking people, especially parents with young children, to make sure hands are washed thoroughly and often. The caseload has jumped from 63 last year to more than 100 this year for the same time period.  WUFT-FM's Forrest Smith talked with Marion County Health Department Spokesman Craig Ackerman about the enteric type illnesses and how some soap and water can save wear and tear on your stomach

FPSMITH

For more information on enteric illnesses check out the Florida Department of Health website at www.floridashealth.com/atoz.html and click on the Diseases and conditions link.

Forrest is a radio news manager for WUFT News. Reach him by emailing news@wuft.org or calling 352-392-6397.