Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

Gastroenteritis Outbreaks

Report an outbreak of gastroenteritis in your facility to the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit on 1800 959 400

Why Outbreaks Need to be Reported

In vulnerable settings like childcare centres and aged care facilities, gastroenteritis (‘gastro’) often spreads rapidly and can cause serious illness, especially in young children and older adults who are at higher risk of dehydration. 

Reporting outbreaks helps to: 

  • Stop the spread quickly by providing expert advice 
  • Identify the cause (virus, bacteria or contaminated food/water) 
  • Protect vulnerable people in your facility and the wider community 

Outbreaks in Childcare Services

Does Your Childcare Have an Outbreak? 

A Childcare Service is considered to have an outbreak if there are two or more cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea occurring among children and/or staff within 48 hours of each other and the symptoms cannot be explained by medication or other medical conditions. 

Gastro spreads very quickly among young children. If you have an outbreak: 

Step 1: Report Immediately 

Report all outbreaks as soon as possible when you suspect an outbreak is occurring.  

  • Directly to the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit on 1800 959 400 or [email protected] including afterhours.  
  • It is also recommended you contact your local council Environmental Health Officer 
Step 2: Follow Control Measures  

Control measure can be found in the Department of Health’s Management of Gastroenteritis guidance for Children’s Centres, first steps may include: 

Exclude unwell people: 

  • Children and staff with vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours 
  • Anyone living with someone who has gastro should not visit the centre for 48 hours after the sick person recovers 

Clean and disinfect: 

  • Use a bleach-based or alternative cleaning regime that is effective against noroviruses for surfaces 
  • Clean toys, tables, door handles, toilets and nappy change areas 
  • Prioritise regular handwashing with soap and water for all centre occupants where possible, using disposable paper towel to dry hands. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) can be used in situations where soap and water may not be always available, however should only be used when hands are not visible dirty. ABHR may not be as effective as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water 
 

Communicate: 

  • Tell all parents, staff and carers about the outbreak immediately 
  • Put up signs at entrances 
  • Keep families updated on how the outbreak is progressing 
  • Remind families to keep any unwell children at home 

Outbreaks In Residential Aged Care Facilities

Does Your Facility Have an Outbreak? 

A Residential Aged Care Facility is considered to have an outbreak if there are two or more cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea among residents/patients and/or staff that cannot be explained by medication or other medical conditions within 72 hours, in a setting that makes epidemiological sense. 

Gastro can be very serious for older adults. If you have an outbreak: 

Step 1: Report Immediately 

Report all outbreaks as soon as possible when you suspect an outbreak is occurring.  

  • Directly to the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit on 1800 959 400 or [email protected] including afterhours.  
  • It is also recommended you contact your local council Environmental Health Officer 
Step 2: Follow Control Measures  

Control measures are found in the Department of Health’s Management of Gastroenteritis guidance for Care Facilities, first steps may include: 

Isolate unwell residents and staff: 

  • Put measures in place to limit interactions between ill and well residents  
  • Designate staff to areas or tasks that will limit their movements between ill and well residents 
  • Exclude staff until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours 
  • Restrict visitors where reasonable during the outbreak 
 

Enhanced cleaning: 

  • Use a bleach-based or alternative cleaning regime that is effective against noroviruses for all surfaces, especially toilets and bathrooms 
  • Increase cleaning of dining areas and common spaces 
  • Follow the Department of Health cleaning guidelines for aged care 
  • Prioritise regular handwashing with soap and water for all facility occupants where possible, using disposable paper towel to dry hands. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) can be used in situations where soap and water may not always be available, however should only be used when hands are not visible dirty. ABHR may not be as effective as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water 

Food safety: 

  • Review food handling practices 
  • Collect stool samples if requested by your Public Health or Environmental Health Officer 
  • Work with your Environmental Health Officer if any changes need to be made to the current outbreak management 

Communication: 

  • Keep staff, residents, families and carers informed about the outbreak and control measures 
  • Put up visitor restriction signs 
  • Document all cases and report regularly to your local Environmental Health Officer 

When is an Outbreak Over?

Depending on the setting, an outbreak is declared over when there are no new cases for a certain period of time.Usually, 48 hours after symptoms have ended in the last unwell person, the Public Health Officer or Environmental Health Officer assigned to the outbreak will be able to assist you on a stand down date for your outbreak. 

Need Help?

To report an outbreak or for further information contact the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit on 1800 959 400 (number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or [email protected] 

Or alternatively,  

Contact your local council and ask for an Environmental Health Officer. 

More information: