Gastro outbreak: Hundreds of childcare staff and children catch viral bug

Urgent warnings have been issued to parents across NSW for sick kids to say home after almost 600 childcare staff and students caught gastro.

Parents have been urged to keep sick kids at home after a concerning spike in gastroenteritis cases spreading across nearly 60 childcare centres in the state.

Almost 600 staff and children have caught the viral bug across October and November, health authorities said.

NSW Health executive director of health protection Dr Richard Broome said the highly infectious illness can spread rapidly.

Hundreds of staff and kids have caught gastro across NSW childcares. Picture: iStock

“Nearly 60 childcare centres reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis in October, which is significantly higher than usual. More than 480 children and 120 staff have been affected. Levels have remained high throughout November,” Dr Broome said.

“The best defence is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies or assisting someone who has diarrhoea or vomiting.

Symptoms of viral gastro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches and can take up to three days to develop.

Authorities want sick children kept at home.

Health experts advised anyone with gastro to avoid vising hospitals and aged care facilities as the illness can be serious for infants, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system.

“Infants or children in childcare or school who develop vomiting or diarrhoea should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped, as should staff members and anyone whose work involves handling food or looking after children, the elderly or patients,” Dr Broome said.