Outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and viral gastroenteritis have been reported in childcare centres in several areas across NSW, including in Wagga.
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The Murrumbidgee Local Health District is urging parents and carers of young children to to take measures to limit the spread of HFMD and viral gastro.
Residents should be alert for symptoms of fever, rash, diarrhoea or vomiting in children.
Children and staff with symptoms of HFMD should stay home until fever and other acute symptoms have resolved, and their blisters have dried.
IN OTHER NEWS
Children and staff with symptoms of gastro should not attend childcare until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
Parents and carers should reinforce basic hygiene measures including regular hand washing with soap and water, particularly after coughing or sneezing, changing nappies, going to the toilet or helping children use the toilet.
Hand sanitiser should only be used if soap and water are not available. Not all hand sanitisers are effective against enteroviruses.
People should make sure they clean all hard surfaces and toys regularly.
MLHD director of public health Tracey Oakman said that while hand, foot and mouth disease was not notifiable under the Public Health Act, parents should report the illness to the director of their childcare centre or their school principal to help prevent the spread.
Catie McLeod
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
Catie is a reporter at The Daily Advertiser covering health and Wagga City Council. You can contact her on c.mcleod@dailyadvertiser.com.au or 0475 819 651.
