Victorian health officials issue gastro alert for childcare centres

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Health officials in Victoria have urgently issued a gastro outbreak alert for childcare centres, with case numbers currently four times higher than the usual state average. 

Parents are being encouraged to keep children at home if they are sick or displaying symptoms following a significant rise in the number of recently reported cases. 

The majority of current outbreaks are likely to have been caused by inadvertent person-to-person transmission. 

'Gastroenteritis is highly infectious and is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites,' an alert from Victoria Health read. 

© Provided by Daily MailParents in Victoria are advised to keep children at home if they are sick or displaying symptoms following a rise in the number of recently reported gastro cases (stock image)

Common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fevers, with symptoms typically lasting between 24 or 48 hours. 

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A stream of ongoing gastro outbreaks in a number of Victorian childcare centres triggered the alert from health officials on Tuesday.

'In each case, infection occurs when the 'bug' is ingested,' the alert read. 

'This usually happens in childcare settings when unwashed hands are placed directly in mouths or touch food or drinks, or indirectly - by touching contaminated surfaces such as taps, toilet flush handles, children's toys and nappies.' 

The most susceptible Victorian residents to the virus are infants as well as the elderly, according to news.com.au.

'Childcare centres are encouraged to reinforce basic hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing and cleaning of hard surfaces,' the health alert also suggested. 

'Staff should (look to) supervise and assist young children to wash hands their properly. 

'Staff should also wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up bodily fluids, including vomit. Also look to disinfect surfaces with a freshly made sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solution.'

© Provided by Daily MailCommon symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fevers (stock image)