Media Release Mar 05 2008

Wash, Wash, wash those hands!

Sydney has recently been plagued by an unseasonal outbreak of gastroenteritis. Ten aged-care facilities and nine childcare centres have been struck by the virus. While ‘gastro’ spikes can occur throughout the year, typically, the incidence rises during colder months.

Known by many names including ‘Delhi Belly’, ‘Bali Belly’ or sometimes Montezuma’s Revenge, gastroenteritis is a common but very uncomfortable infection of the stomach and intestines that results in vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be caused by a number of different viruses, such as Rotavirus and Norovirus.

Symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer.

At A Glance Symptoms:

Diarrhoea
Abdominal cramps
Vomiting
Nausea
Muscle aches
Dehydration
Headache
Fever

Dr Cameron Bell, RNSH Director of Gastroenterology explains that gastroenteritis is highly contagious and can be spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces and contaminated food and drink.

“The germs which cause gastroenteritis, mostly viruses, are very infectious. By practising good hygiene, people will reduce the risk of acquiring the illness and spreading the disease,” says Dr Bell.

People who live, spend time or work or play in close quarters with others, for example in nursing homes, childcare centres, boarding schools and hospitals are particularly at risk.

“The best way to reduce this risk is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least ten seconds before eating or handling food and after using the toilet,” suggests Dr Bell.

Top Tip: Ensure your young children wash their hands thoroughly by singing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song together, all the way through, (twice to be really sure) while they wash.

Safe food handling also reduces the risk of developing gastroenteritis:
Keep kitchen surfaces and equipment clean
Cook raw foods such as meats, poultry and eggs thoroughly
Wash fruit and vegetables carefully before eating
Store food properly and protecting it from insects and animals
Put cooked food in the refrigerator within an hour of cooking
Don’t use the same utensils for raw and cooked foods

Top Tip: Clean the bathroom scrupulously. Pay particular attention to surfaces such as toilet seats, handles and taps.

While there is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, there are things you can do to speed up the recovery process and reduce spreading the disease to family, friends and co-workers.

If you or a family member has gastroenteritis:
• Stay at home. Do not go to school, childcare or work. Soldiering on can delay your recovery and spread the illness
• Get plenty of sleep
• Do not prepare food for others until 48 hours after recovery
• Drink plenty of clear fluids such as diluted juice to prevent dehydration
• Do not drink undiluted juice or soft drinks. They may increase dehydration via diarrhoea
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the toilet

“Most people will recover without any complications however some people may require hospitalisation for intravenous fluids,” explains Dr Bell.

Young children and the elderly are most at risk and may take longer to recover. People with insulin-dependent diabetes should follow ‘sick day’ procedures. If you have any concerns, talk to your GP.

Media Contact: Kristen Bunyard 02 9926 7199 or 0413 025 742

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