Key Points
- NSW Health says cases of gastroenteritis are increasing.
- The disease is usually caused by pathogens rotavirus and norovirus.
- Presentations to hospital are particularly numerous in young children.
NSW Health has warned of a rise in cases of gastroenteritis, particularly in children, with authorities concerned the outbreak could worsen when children return to class at the end of the school holidays.
An increase in two pathogens that typically cause vomiting and diarrhea — rotavirus and norovirus — is causing the outbreak, health authorities said.
Rotavirus notifications to NSW Health are at “some of their highest levels in recent years”.
NSW Health One Health branch manager Keira Glasgow said hospital presentations were particularly high in children under five.
“The message to the community is clear: simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro. Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children home when they are unwell will give us a good chance of slow the spread,” she said.
“Last week, more than 2,700 presentations to emergency departments across NSW had symptoms of gastroenteritis.”
Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle pain.
Symptoms can take up to three days to develop and usually last one to two days, but sometimes longer.
NSW Health says children should stay home, away from school and daycare if they have symptoms, and stay home for 48 hours after their last symptoms.
People should wash their hands thoroughly and wash clothes in hot water, as the virus is spread through vomit or stool particles.
Rotavirus vaccination is free for children under six months and recommended by NSW Health.
