Parents warned after sharp spike in NSW gastro cases
Residents across New South Wales have been issued a stark warning to be extra vigilant in the coming weeks after a recent sharp increase in gastroenteritis (gastro) cases.
Data from NSW Health has showed 197 cases of the Rotavirus - one common cause of viral gastroenteritis - have been identified in the first two weeks of this year, compared to about 40 cases during the same period in 2022.
The virus can be particularly severe in young children, as well as the immunocompromised and the elderly.
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Parents have been urged to be vigilant amid a surge in gastro cases. 9News
Director of NSW Health's One Health branch Keira Glasgow said that it's crucial that the spread is slowed before children return to school in the coming weeks.
"Last week, there were more than 2250 presentations to NSW emergency departments with symptoms of gastroenteritis," Glasgow said.
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Authorities say major symptoms to watch out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. iStock
"Presentations were particularly high in children under five years old, and in children aged five to 16 years old.
"The message to the community is clear – simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro.
"Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell will give us a good chance to slow the spread before February, when children will all be back together at school."
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Viruses are spread most commonly from vomit, saliva, sneezing or stool (faeces) of an infected person.
Authorities say major symptoms to watch out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.
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