Doctors warn on gastro bug

A GASTRO bug has hit a number of childcare centres and schools in the Illawarra, doctors have warned.

The symptoms are vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Healths Public Health Unit yesterday issued a reminder for the public to follow good hygiene when hand washing.

The Director of Public Health Associate Prof Mark Ferson said there had been a number of cases of Norovirus which causes viral gastroenteritis reported in the community, particularly in Kiama and in the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

Norovirus is a common infection that results in vomiting and diarrhoea, Assoc Prof Ferson said.

While it occurs all throughout the year it generally peaks in winter.

We are certainly feeling the impact of this latest outbreak in our hospitals with many of our elderly patients in Kiama and Bulli Hospitals being severely affected and stringent infection control measures having to be implemented, including insisting that all visitors to these facilities wash their hands on entering and exiting the ward areas.

Norovirus is highly infectious and is spread by vomit or faeces of an infected person through:

"?person-to-person contact such as shaking hands,

"?contaminated surfaces

"? contaminated food or drink

In most cases, spreading occurs from a person who has symptoms.

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhoea.?

Other symptoms may include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches, Assoc Prof Ferson said. Anyone with minor symptoms should rest and drink lots of water, while those with severe symptoms should see their doctor.

Anyone with these symptoms is also advised not to go to work, as they risk infecting their co-workers with this extremely contagious virus.

You can obtain further information from www.health.nsw.gov.au or contact your local doctor.