Territorians are reminded to be vigilant about hygiene following a rise in rotavirus gastroenteritis cases.

Dr Vicki Krause from the Centre of Disease Control said since mid-April nearly 100 viral gastroenteritis or ‘gastro’ cases have been reported, mostly in children from the Alice Springs area.

“There have also been cases from the Barkly and Katherine regions and people in the Top End are reminded to remain vigilant with general hygiene to prevent further spread,” she said.

The virus can cause fever, vomiting and watery diarrhoea, and mainly affects children under five years of age, although adults can be infected and pass the virus on to others.

“Very young children are most at risk of becoming severely dehydrated during an infection,” she said.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids, including water, oral rehydration fluids or drinks such as diluted fruit juice, one part juice to four parts water.

Babies should continue usual feeding and be offered extra boiled and cooled water in between feeds.

“Babies with symptoms, young children who refuse fluids or are overly sleepy, and anyone who is very unwell should see a doctor,” Dr Krause said.

To reduce the spread of rotavirus gastroenteritis it is important to:

• Wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly when looking after sick children, changing nappies, going to the toilet and before preparing food and eating

• Never change nappies on tables or counters where food is prepared or eaten

• Clean change areas with warm soapy water and disinfectant after every nappy change

• Clean books, toys, equipment, furnishings, floors and toilets regularly, including toilet door handles.

Anyone with diarrhoea should:

• Not prepare or handle food that will be eaten by other people

• Not attend childcare/school for 24 hours after the diarrhoea has ceased

• Not swim, wade or paddle in public pools.

People without access to water to wash hands should use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. 

Rotavirus gastroenteritis vaccine is available on the Northern Territory immunisation schedule for children at six weeks and four months of age and must be given on time as it is not registered for use after 25 weeks of age.

For further information visit https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/viral/rotavirus

Media contact: Gail Liston 08 8951 5111 or 0476 839 383