The Department of Health has recently issued an alert for child care facilities regarding an outbreak of Norovirus ( Viral gastroenteritis) across the state.
Some of the key messages are:
Parents are urged to keep young children at home if they are sick amid a rise in childcare centre in Victoria. Children should stay at home until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped since they will still be infectious.
Viral gastro enteritis is highly infectious. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain and can include headache and muscle aches. Symptoms can take up to three days to develop and usually last between one or two days, sometimes longer.
Washing hand is the most effective way of preventing the spread of infections. HAND SANITISERS ARE NOT EFFECTIVE AGAINST MANY VIRUSES THAT CAUSE GASTROENTERITIS.
Reinforce basic hygiene and cleaning of surfaces.
If symptoms are severe please seek advice from your child’s medical practitioner.
For more information please visit.
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/news-and-events/healthalerts/gastro-outbreaks-childcare
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/gastroenteritis-in-children
Hilda Hallinan - School Nurse.