Gastro virus hits Macarthur and 58 people present at Campbelltown Hospital’s emergency department in a week

An outbreak of the gastroenteritis virus has hit the Macarthur region and 58 people present at Campbelltown Hospital’s emergency department in a week.

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

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AN OUTBREAK of the gastroenteritis virus has hit the Macarthur region and sent 58 people to Campbelltown Hospital’s emergency department in a week.

Across the South Western Sydney Local Health District, which includes Campbelltown Hospital, there were 257 emergency department presentations from July 24 to 30.

Across the Sydney region, almost 2000 people have presented at emergency departments in that week.

South Western Sydney Local Health District’s Dr Stephen Conaty is reminding people to thoroughly wash their hands to reduce their chances of contracting gastroenteritis.

Health district population health director Dr Stephen Conaty said presentations at Campbelltown Hospital were within the usual range, whereas Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital had seen higher than expected presentations.

However, Campbelltown and Liverpool hospitals recorded the second highest number of presentations, with 58 each.

“The best defence against gastroenteritis is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds before handling and eating food,’’ Dr Conaty said.

“Always wash your hands after using the toilet, changing nappies, or assisting someone who has diarrhoea or vomiting.

“People are encouraged to stay at home if affected by gastroenteritis.’’

NSW Health communicable diseases director Vicky Sheppeard said viral gastroenteritis was highly infectious.

She said it was often spread through direct contact with an infected person.

“Norovirus and rotavirus spread easily from person to person, particularly if hands are not carefully washed after using the toilet or before handling food,” Dr Sheppeard said.

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

The symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer.

For more details visit: health.nsw.gov.au.