More than 480 children and 120 staff have been infected with gastro at childcare centres across the country with authorities pleading for parents to keep their sick kids at home
- Nearly 60 childcare centres in NSW reported gastro outbreaks in October 2020
- There are currently more than 480 children and 120 staff who are unwell in NSW
- New South Wales Health said number of cases is unusually high for this season
A spike in contagious gastroenteritis cases at childcare centres across NSW has prompted authorities to issue a plea for parents to keep sick children home.
Nearly 60 childcare centres reported gastro outbreaks in October, a figure which NSW Health says is significantly higher than usual.
The number of outbreaks also remained high throughout November, leaving more than 480 children and 120 staff sick.
NSW Health has issued a warning after more than 480 children and 120 staff at childcare centres has caught gastro (stock image)
Parents have been told to not drop their children off at childcare centres if they have symptoms as the virus can spread very easily (stock image)
NSW Health’s Richard Broome said the highly infectious bug, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches, spreads rapidly in childcare centres.
Anyone who is sick, but particularly children, should stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside, he 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.’
Anyone recovering from gastroenteritis or those sharing a house with them should avoid visiting hospitals and aged care facilities to avoid spreading it to those most vulnerable.
More than 60 childcare centres experienced gastro outbreaks in NSW in October 2020 (stock image)