Gastro outbreak at Caulfield Bupa aged care

UPDATE: A GASTRO outbreak has struck child and aged care facilities across Melbourne, with about 20 reported cases in the past fortnight.

A GASTRO outbreak has struck child and aged care facilities across Melbourne with about 20 reported cases in the past fortnight.

It’s been estimated that 80 per cent of those cases are from aged care facilities across the metropolitan area with some quarantined.

Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Bram Alexander said the number of reported cases is unusual for this time of year.

“We’re seeing more than we normally do. It’s reasonable to say in the last fortnight we’ve had 20 facilities [affected],” Mr Alexander said.

Visitors have been advised to avoid facilities if they themselves are feeling ill, and use hygiene services, like hand sanitiser gels, when available.

Residents at the Bupa aged care facility in Caulfield South have been quarantined since last Friday due to an outbreak.

Mr Alexander said the department was aware of a number of cases there, and staff were managing the matter appropriately.

He said facilities were required to follow department guidelines and infection control processes to prevent the disease spreading.

Once a case was reported to the department, ill residents were isolated from others, visits to the facility were limited and clean up and control measures implemented.

Department officers assessed the probable cause of the outbreak and the way in which was likely to spread.

A facility was considered clear 48 hours after the last affected resident had shown any symptoms, and if no further cases had been identified.

“Visitors to aged care facilities and hospitals should take special care with washing their hands following cases of gastroenteritis in these settings at this time of year,” Mr Alexander said.

“This is a timely reminder to all visitors that washing their hands before visiting loved ones in aged care or hospital is extremely important.

“Hand hygiene gel is widely available for visitors and should be used. Just as importantly, they should avoid visiting if they are unwell.”

Bupa spokeswoman Amy McNaughton confirmed three residents at a Caulfield home were presently displaying symptoms of gastro.

“We’re following the Public Health Unit’s guidelines and recommendations to manage this issue and have detailed policies and procedures in place to minimise the potential spread of virus,” Ms McNaughton said.

“This includes asking the public to avoid visiting the home, unless necessary, until further notice.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents and team members is our priority, and our dedicated care team is ensuring all of our residents are receiving the best possible care during this time,” Ms McNaughton said.

“We remain in constant contact with our residents’ next of kin.”

Are you aware of any gastro outbreaks at an aged care home or childcare centre near you? Tell us in the comments below