gastroenteritis on the increase
Hunter New England Health is warning people to take extra hygiene precautions to avoid getting and spreading gastroenteritis.
Hunter New England Health Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said the incidence of gastroenteritis in the community has increased over the past few weeks.
“Outbreaks can occur throughout the year but cases tend to rise during winter and early spring. An increase in cases has already been recorded and norovirus has recently been detected,” Dr Durrheim said.
Gastro is a common illness which is caused by a number of different bugs. Viral gastroenteritis is more common in winter and early spring but bacteria and food poisoning can also cause gastro.
One of the most common causes of viral gastro is norovirus. Norovirus causes symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.
“Norovirus is highly infectious and can be spread very easily from person to person. It can also be spread through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces,” Dr Durrheim said.
“This is why the most effective way of avoiding viral gastroenteritis is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before handling and eating food. You should also always wash your hands after using the toilet,” he said.
Symptoms of norovirus gastro usually last between one and three days, but sometimes longer. Sometimes vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and loss of appetite can make a person lose more fluid than they can keep down. This may lead to dehydration, which needs to be treated immediately.
Signs of dehydration include passing less urine than usual, increased thirst and dry mouth, sunken eyes, tiredness, irritability and deep breathing.
“It’s important to remember that babies can become dehydrated very quickly with gastro. Any baby less than six months old who has gastro should be taken to your GP or local emergency department immediately,” Dr Durrheim said.
Outbreaks of gastroenteritis are also more common within families and group settings including nursing homes, hospitals, childcare centres and schools.
Dr Durrheim said people who may have gastroenteritis should delay visiting family and friends who are in hospital or aged care homes so that the virus is not spread to patients and staff.
“The elderly are also particularly vulnerable to dehydration. It is unwise to visit people in hospital or in aged care facilities if you have diarrhoea, as outbreaks in these environments can more readily occur with devastating consequences,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Children should also not attend childcare or school while symptomatic with gastroenteritis and should only return after being symptom-free for 48 hours.”
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 49214501