The Department of Health and Families (DHF) advises of an increase in gastroenteritis-type illness in urban and remote areas around Alice Springs.
"It's timely to remind people that good hygiene and food preparation practises reduce the risk of gastroenteritis," said Mrs Cate Coffey, Acting Director of DHF's Centre for Disease Control.
The increase in gastroenteritis-type illnesses includes rotavirus. Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes vomiting, fever, and watery diarrhoea. Symptoms usually start suddenly and within 24 to 72 hours after contact, and may last four to six days on average. Rotavirus is shed in faeces and also may be transmitted through coughing or sneezing.
Rotavirus mainly affects children under five years of age, but children six to 24 months old are particularly vulnerable and may become severely dehydrated.
Anyone with diarrhoea should:
- drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration
- not attend child care, school, or work until the diarrhoea has ceased
- not swim, wade or paddle in public pools
- see a doctor if they have prolonged or severe diarrhoea or have symptoms that concern them. Children with diarrhoea who vomit or refuse extra fluids should see a doctor.
"It is essential to increase fluid intake during the infection to prevent dehydration. Fruit juice or soft drink should be diluted; one part fluid to three parts water," said Mrs Coffey.
"Wash hands thoroughly with soap, particularly after handling children with diarrhoea, changing nappies and going to the toilet-and before preparing food and eating.
"Keep children with diarrhoea away from child-care, pre-school or school until the diarrhoea has stopped. Hospitalisation may be required if dehydration is severe," added Mrs Coffey.
Rotavirus vaccine is available for children at two and four months of age. The vaccine is part of the child immunisation schedule.
Media inquiries: Darrel Trueman 0401 116 203; Chelsea Rogers 0401 11 113
Release date: Wednesday 1 April 2009
