Gastroenteritis on rise in NSW
NSW is experiencing a seasonal increase in gastroenteritis cases with most cases due to norovirus. In the three months to end of July 2007, NSW experienced 99 reported outbreaks of gastroenteritis in institutions in the community affecting almost 2,000 people – mostly those in nursing homes, hospitals and some childcare centres.
NSW Health Director of Communicable Diseases, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said that viral gastroenteritis outbreaks occur throughout the year with cases typically rising during colder months. “Nursing homes, hospitals and childcare centres have been particularly affected – 38 outbreaks affecting more than 780 people were reported in the last four weeks in NSW”, said Dr McAnulty.
NSW Health has a Gastro Pack available to assist aged care facilities in the event of an outbreak of gastroenteritis and provides information on its early identification, prevention and control. NSW Health defines an outbreak as two or more people with sudden onset of vomiting or diarrhoea at the one time in an institution.
Gastroenteritis and food borne illness in an aged care facility in two or more related cases should be reported to the local Public Health Unit in accordance with the NSW Department of Health Notification of Diseases under the Public Health Act 1991 Policy Directive 2005_359.
For a copy of the Gastro Pack visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/pdf/gastro_pack.pdf
