Gastroenteritis outbreaks at child centres have been above the usual rate across NSW, according to the NSW Health. 

NSW Health has issued a warning to parents and carers with young children under five to wash their hands and keep sick children at home to prevent further rise in viral gastroenteritis cases. 

109 child centres have reported almost 1,000 children affected by gastroenteritis since February. 

In addition, more than 200 staff were reported to have fallen ill during these outbreaks. 

Further, the number of children seeking medical treatment for gastroenteritis at Emergency Departments has also risen above average, with 559 children seeking treatment in the past week. 

“It spreads easily between people if they haven’t carefully washed their hands after using the toilet or before handling food,” Manager of Enteric and Zoonotic Diseases at NSW Health, Ms Keira Glasgow 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 diarrhea or vomiting,” she added. 

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. 

Some symptoms can take up to three days to develop, and will usually last between one or two days and sometimes longer. 

“Infants or children in childcare or school who develop vomiting or diarrhea, should stay home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped,” Ms Glasgow said. 

NSW Health has also encouraged those affected to rest and drink plenty of fluids as their main treatment.