A significant rise in gastro cases across NSW has prompted authorities to warn parents to be on the lookout for symptoms.

The unusual spike saw 2250 presentations with gastro symptoms to Emergency departments across NSW in just one week in January, with a particularly large number of children under five, and kids aged between five and 16 years old.

Rotavirus is one of the common causes of viral gastroenteritis, and it has the potential to be severe in young children. It’s thought that the increase in cases may be due to children not being exposed to germs as often during the pandemic.

NSW Health says the latest testing data shows rotavirus notifications are at some of the highest levels of the last decade. In the first fortnight of 2023, 197 cases of rotavirus were reported, a large increase on the usual 40 cases during the same period in previous years.

Leading up to the return of school, NSW Health was concerned at the possibility of cases spreading as students went back to class.

“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,” NSW Health’s One Health branch Keira Glasgow said in January.

Now that kids are back behind their desks, Health Direct is urging parents to be on the lookout for symptoms.

“I urge the community to follow simple measures that help stop the spread of gastro,” said Health Direct Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nirvana Luckraj.

“Good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell is the best way to prevent outbreaks at schools, childcare centres and high exposure environments.”

Health Direct has also provide information for parents to ensure they’re aware of how to prevent infections:

Causes of gastro

Gastro may be caused by viruses (these are by far the most common cause and include the rotavirus and norovirus infections), bacteria, such as salmonella, toxins produced by bacteria, parasites, such as giardia and chemicals, such as toxins in poisonous mushrooms.

Preventing gastro

Gastro can be spread very easily. You might get it from having contact with an infected person (or their vomit or poo). It can also spread via contaminated food or water.

Parents, childcare workers and teachers should continue to practice and teach good hygiene and handwashing skills, as it is still the best defence against spreading the bug.

To reduce your risk of catching or spreading gastro, wash your hands well after using the bathroom or changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.

If you are travelling to places where the local tap water is not safe to drink, only use bottled water and only eat fruit you can peel yourself; and avoid uncooked food, including salads.

Managing gastro

Gastro is not usually serious, typically lasts for 1 to 2 days, and does not usually require treatment. Because the body is losing fluid through diarrhoea and or vomiting, a person can become quickly dehydrated.

The most important treatment for gastroenteritis is to drink fluids. Frequent sips are easier for young children than a large amount all at once. Keep drinking regularly even if you are vomiting. You can also buy rehydration fluids from a pharmacy. These are the best fluids to use in cases of gastro, especially for children.

Older people, young children (over 6 months) and those with a weakened immune system are at risk of developing serious illnesses and may need urgent care if they develop gastro. Babies under 6 months need urgent medical care.

If your child has an infectious condition, you may need to keep them home from day care or school to stop it from spreading, until they have not had a loose bowel motion or other symptoms for 48 hours. This information of school exclusion periods for common illnesses in children including gastro is a helpful guide for parents: School Exclusion Periods.