If you’ve noticed a peak in sick people around you in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, you’re not wrong.
A gastro outbreak has spread up the east coast and it’s hitting some so severely, two Queenslanders have died.
Two residents at a Queensland aged care passed away and while Queensland Health has confirmed the deaths, the Regis facility in Yeronga has denied that gastro was the cause. Families of those that died want Queensland Health to investigate the deaths, as well as another facility at Wynnum.
The highly contagious stomach flu has spread through a number of child and aged care facilities across Melbourne, with about 20 cases reported in the past fortnight.
80 per cent of the cases are from aged care homes according to the Herald Sun, with some quarantined in an attempt to slow down the rapidly spreading illness.
Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Bram Alexander said the number of cases is unusually high for this time of year.
Bupa spokeswoman Amy McNaughton asked the public avoid visiting affected aged care facilities unless absolutely necessary.
“The health and wellbeing of our residents and team members is our priority, and our dedicated care team is ensuring all of our residents are receiving the best possible care during this time,” Ms McNaughton told The Herald Sun.
New South Wales has also seen a spike in people seeking help for gastro, with more than 1900 people calling NSW emergency departments last week, of which 400 were admitted to hospital.
That’s a 34 per cent increase from last year, according to NSW Health.
Mr Alexander also took the time to stress the importance of hygiene during times of easily spread sicknesses.
“Visitors to aged care facilities and hospitals should take special care with washing their hands following cases of gastroenteritis in these settings at this time of year,” he told The Herald Sun.
“This is a timely reminder to all visitors that washing their hands before visiting loved ones in aged care or hospital is extremely important.”
