Australia is currently facing its biggest gastro outbreak in more than 20 years. Credit: Adobe Stock
In the past year, Australia has experienced a surge in gastro cases due to an illness called cryptosporidium. Children are the most at risk from the highly contaigious water-borne parasite, with public pools and waterparks a hotbed for the bug.
As a mother, I know the dread of hearing a gastro bug is going around the daycare, school or netball team. Diarrhoea and vomiting can stun a healthy child for days and wreak havoc on a family for weeks.
As a paediatrician, with extensive research experience in acute gastroenteritis (gastro), I also understand the effects on the community, our hospitals and our most vulnerable patients.
Cryptosporidium is not the only cause of gastro, but its spread provides a timely reminder to think about what we can do to manage and prevent this nasty illness.
