Chickenpox has shown an increase of up to one case per week for the past several weeks, a Ministry of Health spokesman has reported — more cases than 2014 overall.

Nine cases have been reported to the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU): four in January and five over the past five weeks.

The ESU has also noted “reports of clusters of gastrointestinal illness in the community”, the spokesman added.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection but the disease is vaccine-preventable, and parents should inform themselves of their children’s vaccination status, along with their own.

Gastrointestinal illness, meanwhile, includes including diarrhoea and/or vomiting.

“Reports from the hospital and from private physician offices inform the ESU of the possibility of a disease outbreak in the community,” the spokesman said.

The illness is spread by contaminated food or water, as well as direct contact with an ill person or contact with infected surfaces.

A document, “Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings” has been provided to all public schools and is available online at www.health.gov.bm.

You can help to prevent transmission of infections by following these general precautions:

• Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitiser after using the toilet, changing diapers, or disposing of animal faeces;

• Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitiser before eating or food preparation, and after handling raw meat;

• Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly;

• Cooking and storing food appropriately. Keep hot food hot (at 140F or above), and cold food refrigerated (at 40F or below) and protect food from insects;

• Using bottled water when travelling in countries where the water supply might be unsafe. In Bermuda, the Department of Health recommends that tank water be disinfected before it is used for drinking or food preparation — common methods include boiling, ultraviolet light, and chlorination.

You can help to prevent transmission if you or a family member is ill by:

• Flushing or discarding vomit and/or stool and making sure that the surrounding area is kept clean;

• Immediately removing and washing clothing or linens that may be contaminated;

• Disinfecting contaminated surfaces such as kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces.

Those showing symptoms should avoid work, and should not handle food for others.

Professional food handlers should consult their physician or the Department of Health before returning to work.

Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.

Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not attend school or day care centre until 48 hours from the last episode.