Gastro hits SA
Posted
by DPS
South Australian cases of gastroenteritis are up 56% since last year. Last month, health authorities found six infected nursing homes wit up to 110 sufferers.
Rotavirus infects the bowel and causes diarrhoea, which leads to dehydration. The virus spreads through contaminated hands, objects, food or water.
Nursing homes are advised to be diligent with preventive measures.
“Usually, where they do have outbreaks in nursing homes, there is a breakdown of infection control measures. This is where hand washing and strict protocols about management are important,” said Australian Medical Association (AMA) state president, Dr Andrew Lavender, in a report by The Advertiser.
South Australia has 527 reported cases of rotavirus this year.
