SYDNEY, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The New South Wales (NSW) State Health department in Australia told Xinhua on Thursday, they are investigating whether the rotavirus has mutated after an upsurge in reported cases.
So far in 2017, there have been 1,239 notifications of the gastrointestinal illness in the state, which is the highest number in five years with rates amongst infants up 90 percent.
Making matters worse, Director of Communicable Diseases at NSW Health, Dr Vicky Sheppeard explained that "notifications are only a portion of cases, as not everyone with the infection is tested."
This could mean there's been many more cases which have gone unreported.
Symptoms for those infected include severe fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Although there are many potential causes for rotavirus, Sheppeard said, "it passes readily from person-to-person, particularly if hands are not thoroughly washed after going to the toilet or changing a nappy."
"Currently, NSW Health is also investigating whether the virus may have mutated, which would mean more people may be susceptible to infection."
Medical authorities in Australia have advised anyone who has suffered from rotavirus to stay at home for at least 24 hours after symptoms stop and have warned against visiting vulnerable people while unwell for at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Although there is a vaccine which can dramatically reduce hospitalizations, particularly for infant gastroenteritis, it is only around 70 percent effective in preventing infection.
"Pay close attention to handwashing after toileting, changing nappies, and before preparing food for others," Sheppeard said.
