NSW Health alerts parents as gastroenteritis cases surge

Health authorities are warning NSW residents to remain vigilant after new health data revealed a spike in cases of gastroenteritis across the state.

According to the latest health data, notifications of norovirus and rotavirus — two pathogens that cause gastroenteritis — have reached some of their highest levels in recent years.

The virus is known to cause vomiting and diarrhoea, with rotavirus being especially dangerous for young children and norovirus frequently causing outbreaks in residential aged care facilities, schools, and childcare centres.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Last week alone, more than 2700 people sought emergency care with symptoms of gastroenteritis.

A significant number of these cases were in children under five.

Keira Glasgow, director of NSW Health’s One Health Branch, emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures, especially with the new school term beginning next week.

“The message to the community is clear — simple measures can help stop the spread of gastro,” she said.

“Maintaining good hand hygiene and keeping children at home when they are unwell will give us a good chance to slow the spread.”

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and muscle aches.

These symptoms can appear within a few hours to three days after exposure and typically last between one and two days, though in some cases, they may persist for longer.

For parents and caregivers, the health department offers the following advice:

• Keep children who are experiencing gastroenteritis symptoms at home to prevent spreading the illness to others.
• Ensure that everyone in the household practises good hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially those that may have come into contact with vomit or stool.