Gastro outbreak alert

An infectious gastro outbreak is sweeping through Victorian childcare centres.

There have been 56 gastroenteritis cases in the state's childcare system in the past six weeks.

Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton has asked parents to keep their children at home if they are sick.

Viral gastroenteritis is highly infectious.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches, with more severe outcomes in the elderly and very young. Symptoms can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, sometimes longer.

Infants or children, as well as staff, who develop vomiting or diarrhoea should not attend childcare, camps or any other group activities until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Staff and parents should be vigilant for symptoms of gastroenteritis in children and reinforce basic hygiene measures.

What you need to know

Washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infection.

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against many common viruses that cause gastroenteritis.

Cleaning and sanitising are also important infection control measures and facilities should follow relevant Department of Health guidelines.

Anyone recovering from gastroenteritis should avoid visiting hospitals, childcare centres and aged care facilities to avoid spreading the infection to those most vulnerable.

Any person living in a household with someone who has gastroenteritis should refrain from visiting these high-risk facilities until at least 48 hours after the last person in the household has recovered.

If symptoms are severe or they persist, or you are concerned, see a GP for advice and possible testing.

Read the full advisory: Increase in gastroenteritis outbreaks in childcare