Loss of immunity due to lockdowns behind spike in NSW gastro cases, diseases expert suggests

On Wednesday, NSW Health issued a public health alert warning people in the state to be aware of symptoms of gastroenteritis.

The rate of reported rotavirus, a common cause of gastro, is five times the usual rate for this time of year. In the first two weeks of January, 197 cases were identified, compared with the usual average of 40 cases for the same period.

Michael Wright, the deputy chair of the NSW Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said there has been a spike in people attending emergency departments and presenting to general practices with gastro.

He said part of the increase in identified cases may also be to do with doctors conducting more testing to determine viruses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike NSW, the Queensland and Victorian health departments say they are not experiencing an uptick in gastro that warrants public health concern.

People who catch viral gastro can experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache and muscle aches. It usually lasts one to two days, and NSW Health advises those who catch the bug to drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Immunisation against rotavirus infection is recommended for children as part of their immunisation schedule.