A-Z of Public Health Topics
Gastroenteritis (gastro)
Gastroenteritis, often called gastro, is an infection by a common stomach bug. It causes tummy pain, runny poo (diarrhoea) and vomiting.
It’s usually caused by germs such as viruses or bacteria and can spread easily from person to person.
Most people with gastro get better after a few days. But very young children and older people can get very sick and may need to go to hospital.
Symptoms
- Runny poo (diarrhoea)
- Vomiting
- Fever or headaches
- Tummy pain or cramps
- Tiredness
- Not wanting to eat or drink
Gastro outbreaks and where they occur
Gastro spreads easily, so outbreaks can happen when people are together in places like:
- aged care facilities
- early learning centres and childcare services
- hospitals and healthcare settings
- schools, school camps and workplaces
- restaurants and cafes
- parties and gatherings.
When outbreaks happen, the Western Public Health Unit, local councils and the centre work together to stop germs spreading. We recommend:
- cleaning carefully and often
- washing hands well with soap and water
- staying home if sick
- following public health advice.
If you think there is a gastro outbreak, call Western Public Health Unit on 1800 497 111.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does gastro spread?
Gastro spreads easily from person to person through germs in vomit and poo. You can catch it if:
- you touch things with germs and then touch your mouth
- you eat or drink food or water that is not clean.
How can I stop gastro from spreading to other people?
Stay home
- Do not go to work, school, or childcare until at least 48 hours after your last vomit or runny poo.
- This is especially important if you work with food, or in health or aged care.
Wash your hands
Always wash your hands with soap and water:
- after using the toilet
- after changing nappies
- after cleaning up vomit
- before eating or making food.
Keep things clean
- Wash dirty clothes and bedding in hot water.
- Clean bathrooms, toilets, and surfaces often with detergent and water.
Don’t share personal items
Avoid sharing:
- towels
- face washers
- toothbrushes
- cups, or knives and forks.
Don’t make food for others
Wait until you are completely better before cooking or handling food.
For more information about stopping the spread of gastro and cleaning advice, visit Better Health Channel.
Can I use hand sanitiser?
Washing hands with soap and warm water is best. Hand sanitiser does not work well against gastro germs.
For more information on handwashing, visit Better Health Channel.
When can I return to work, school or childcare?
- Stay home until you haven’t been sick for at least 48 hours. This means no vomiting and no runny poo for two full days.
- This is especially important for people who handle food, care for children, work in healthcare or aged-care.
- During an outbreak, children and staff must not attend schools and childcare centres until at least 48 hours after their last vomit or runny poo.
For more information visit, Victoria’s school exclusion table.