NSW Health has reported a spike in cases of gastroenteritis, especially among children, and warned that the situation could get worse as schools reopen following the holidays.
The agency attributed the outbreak to an increase in two types of pathogens, namely the rotavirus and the norovirus.
Notifications about the rotavirus strain have been at their highest level in recent years, according to Keira Glasgow, the One Health branch’s director.
She noted that hospital presentations had been high among kids under five years old.
The agency urged the public to take simple steps to prevent the spread of the illness.
To help slow the spread, Glasgow noted that the public should ensure that they keep kids home when they’re sick.
She noted that over 2,700 people visited emergency departments in NSW with symptoms of the illness last week.
These include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and muscle aches.
The symptoms of the illness typically last for up to three days.
According to NSW Health, kids should be kept away from school and daycare facilities if they’re sick, and they should remain home for 48 hours following their last symptoms.
In addition, individuals should wash their hands properly and avoid touching stool or vomit particles.
The NSW Health agency noted that immunization for kids under six months old is free.