An uptick in gastroenteritis (gastro) cases in New South Wales has experts on high alert, with one general practitioner flagging what’s driving surging infections.
“A lot of kids just haven’t got immunity because they haven’t been exposed to it previously,” Dr McKay said.
“We have been having a gathering of families after being away from each other for a long period of time.
“Lots of kids mixing over the festive season and it’s a very transmissible virus that causes terrible gastro.”
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Viruses are spread most commonly from vomit, saliva, sneezing or stool (faeces) of an infected person.
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Authorities say major symptoms to watch out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches.
McKay said it was important to maintain proper hygiene to avoid catching the virus.
“Just make sure you are washing your hands with soap and water,” he said.
“Make sure your kids are vaccinated, particularly if they are under six months and they can get vaccinated against Rotavirus (a common cause of viral gastro).
“If someone in your household is sick be really careful when you are cleaning up after them.”
Data from NSW Health has showed 197 cases of the Rotavirus – one common cause of viral gastroenteritis - have been identified in the first two weeks of this year, compared to about 40 cases during the same period in 2022.
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