Cases of gastroenteritis are ripping through Victorian childcare centres with hundreds affected since the start of the year.
The Department of Health has recorded 389 outbreaks of gastroenteritis since the start of the year, including 140 since March, defining an outbreak as two or more cases per centre. This means 2021 has four times as many cases than the average 100 outbreaks usually recorded
Melbourne’s outer east has been among the most affected, with 15 at the Yarra Ranges and 12 each at Knox and Maroondah. There are 30 outbreaks in Greater Geelong, 17 in Casey and 15 at Wyndham.
Health Authorities have issued a warning that hand sanitiser isn’t the most effective way to fight off the bug. Soap and warm water are suggested as the best remedy.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis can include diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, nausea and fever.