Health officials have issued a public health warning as cases of gastroenteritis have risen to their highest levels in years, with young children most at risk.
NSW Health has urged the community to be on high alert during the latest outbreak, especially as students return from school holidays next week.
The jump in gastro cases is caused by two pathogens that often cause vomiting and diarrhea; rotavirus and norovirus.
Rotavirus can be particularly serious in young children and testing data shows that rotavirus reports are among the highest levels in recent years.
Director of NSW Health’s One Health division, Keira Glasgow, said it was important to reduce the spread of gastrointestinal problems before the start of the new school year.
“Last week there were more than 2,700 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms of gastroenteritis,” she said.
‘The presentations were particularly high in children under five years of age. The message to the community is clear: simple measures can help stop the spread of gastrointestinal disease.
‘Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children home if they are not feeling well gives us a good chance of slowing the spread.’
Health officials have issued a public health warning as gastroenteritis cases rise to their highest levels in years, with young children most at risk (pictured, students in Melbourne)
Gastroenteritis can be spread through the vomit or feces of an infected person.
This can happen through close contact with unwashed hands, touching contaminated surfaces, sharing contaminated objects, disposing of bodily fluids, consuming contaminated food or drinks, and occasionally inhaling airborne particles when people yield.
Gastrointestinal disorders can affect people of all ages, although the elderly, young children, and people with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk for serious illness.
Anyone visiting an elderly care facility is not allowed to use the private toilet in their loved one’s room.
Parents and caregivers caring for a symptomatic child should wear gloves and a mask when cleaning their body fluids, including vomit.
Hands should be washed thoroughly after changing diapers or helping someone go to the toilet.
All contaminated surfaces should be cleaned immediately with warm soapy water, disinfectant and bleach.
The most important treatment for gastro is to rest and stay hydrated.
Most people recover without complications, but more urgent care may be needed for infants, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly, who may experience more severe illness, NSW Health says.