Gastro outbreak at Rowville’s Heany Park Primary School

Heany Park Primary School principal Janet Evison said a “handful” of students had fallen ill in the past few days.

“We have informed the school community and provided advice about the importance of hygiene in stopping this becoming any more widespread,” Ms Evison said.

“Anyone who is unwell is not being allowed to attend school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.”

The Education Department confirmed it was notified of the outbreak at the Rowville school.

Schools are urged to tell parents about gastro cases and provide messages about hygiene and preventing infection, and in the event of a significant outbreak should notify State Government Education and Health departments.

Education department spokesman Steve Tolley said the department had written to all schools and early childhood centres with some information about recent cases of gastroenteritis around Victoria.

This included advice about the importance of good hygiene in preventing spreading germs, and medical advice on how to deal with outbreaks, he said.

“It is important if anyone shows symptoms of gastroenteritis they should not attend school until their symptoms have passed and they have had 48 hours with no symptoms at all,” Mr Tolley said.

Health Department spokesman Bram Alexander said the department was aware of the gastro outbreak, but couldn’t specify how many cases.

Mr Alexander reiterated the need for people to practice good hygiene, and stay home from school or work if affected.