Gastro is surging through Victorian childcare centres, with this year’s outbreak numbers smashing figures recorded over the past five years.
Viral gastroenteritis cases in Victorian childcare centres have surged in the past eight months, with the number of outbreaks climbing to more than three times higher than the average for the same period in past years.
Data obtained by NCA NewsWire shows there have been 554 outbreaks in childcare centres from January 1 this year up until August 23.
Up to the same period last year, there had been just 50 outbreaks, factoring in many months of lockdown across the state.
But the Department of Health figures show that before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, there had been 141 outbreaks from January 1, 2019 to August 23, 2019, 154 during the same time period in 2018, then 181 in 2017 and 135 in 2016.
A Department of Health spokesman said outbreaks of gastro in Victorian childcare centres “increased rapidly” in the first half of 2021 but had since returned to “more usual” levels.
“Practising good hand hygiene – washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water – is still the best way to stop the virus and prevent infecting others,” they said.
The data shows the Greater Geelong region had the highest number of outbreaks across the state this year with 35.
The city of Wyndham in Melbourne’s west had the equal second highest along with Yarra Ranges, recording 23, while the city of Casey in the city’s southeast and city of Hume in the northern suburbs both had 20 outbreaks each.
Norovirus was the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, with symptoms including a quick onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea that lasts 2-3 days.
Other symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, headaches and muscle aches.
While all ages could be affected, more than 60 per cent of outbreaks were in childcare or aged care centres.
Children with symptoms should stay home while sick and for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. If symptoms persist, parents should visit a general practitioner.
Anyone recovering from gastroenteritis should avoid visiting hospitals, early childhood services and aged care facilities, the Department of Health warned.
Any person living in a household with someone who has gastroenteritis should refrain from visiting these high-risk facilities until at least 48 hours after the person in the household recovered.
TOP 10 OUTBREAK HOTSPOTS IN VICTORIA
- Greater Geelong: 35 outbreaks
- City of Wyndham: 23
- Yarra Ranges: 23
- City of Casey: 20
- City of Hume: 20
- City of Boroondara: 19
- City of Darebin: 18
- City of Whittlesea: 18
- Port Phillip: 16
- City of Melton: 15
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