There has been a significant rise in gastroenteritis in NSW in the past two weeks.
Rotavirus is one common cause of viral gastroenteritis and can be more severe in young children.
The latest testing data shows rotavirus notifications are at some of the highest levels of the last decade.
In the first two weeks of this year, 197 cases of rotavirus were identified compared with 40 cases during the same period usually.
Health’s One branch director Keira Glasgow said reducing the spread of gastro before schools returned in the next few weeks is important.
“Last week, there were more than 2,250 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms of gastroenteritis. Presentations were particularly high in children under five years old, and in children aged five to 16 years old,” Ms Glasgow said.
To stop the spread, maintain good hand hygiene and keep children at home when they are unwell, Ms Glasgow said.
Viruses are spread from the vomit or stool (faeces) of an infected person.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, and sometimes longer.
Advice for parents and caregivers includes:
● Keep children experiencing gastroenteritis home from childcare services, vacation care and school. Children should not return until 48 hours have passed since their last symptom.
● Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up bodily fluids including vomit.
● Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and running water especially after changing nappies, assisting someone with diarrhoea or vomiting and before preparing food. Alcohol hand sanitiser is generally less effective than soap and water but can be used if these are not available.
● Immediately and thoroughly clean contaminated surfaces with hot, soapy water and then disinfect the area using a household disinfectant. If possible, disinfect with bleach.
● Immediately remove and wash clothing or linen that may be contaminated with stool or vomit (use hot water and detergent).
Immunisation to prevent rotavirus infection is recommended and is free for children under six months of age.
The main treatment for viral gastroenteritis is to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover without complications but more urgent care may need to be sought for infants, people with suppressed immune systems, and the elderly, who may experience more serious illness.
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