Gastro cases on the increase
Hunter New England Health is warning people to take extra hygiene precautions to avoid getting and spreading gastroenteritis after an increase in the incidence of the illness in the past few weeks.
Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said it was particularly important for people who think they might have gastroenteritis to avoid visiting hospitals or aged care facilities so that the virus is not spread to patients and staff.
“It is unwise to visit people in hospital or in aged care facilities if you have diarrhoea, as outbreaks in these environments can have devastating consequences,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Outbreaks of gastroenteritis are common within families and group settings including nursing homes, hospitals, childcare centres and schools so extra precaution should be taken in these facilities.
Hunter New England Health’s warning comes as we head into winter, the peak time for gastro.
“An increase in cases has already been recorded and norovirus, one of the most common viruses that causes gastro, has recently been detected,” Dr Durrheim said.
Gastro is a common illness which is caused by a number of different bugs. Bacteria and food poisoning can also cause gastro although they are more common in summer months.
“Some of these viruses, particularly norovirus, are highly infectious and can be spread very easily from person to person. It can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces,” Dr Durrheim said.
“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 always wash your hands after using the toilet,” he said.
The symptoms of viral gastro can include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and loss of appetite which can make a person lose more fluid than they can keep down.
Symptoms usually last between one and three days but can persist for longer. The symptoms may also 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. A baby less than six months old who has gastro should be taken to a GP or local emergency department immediately,” Dr Durrheim said.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501