Death of Child Unrelated to Gastro Outbreak at Sydney Childcare Centre

NSW Health authorities have said that the death of a child at a Sydney childcare centre is not related to a gastro outbreak at the centre.

Six children aged 11 months to four years who attend Little Zak’s Academy in Artarmon have had gastroenteritis. Four of them were hospitalised, and two have since been released from hospital since the first diagnosis on October 21. A seventh child from the same centre died in hospital on Sunday.

The children involved reportedly developed high fevers and vomiting over the last week caused by rotavirus gastroenteritis.

The cause of the child’s death has not yet been confirmed, but the Public Health Unit is working with specialist pediatricians to determine the cause.

Dr Michael Staff, Director of the Northern Sydney Public Health Unit said, “Tragically, another child who also attends the centre died in hospital on 23 October, but at this stage it appears unrelated to the gastroenteritis outbreak.”

A statement from Little Zak’s said directors had been in touch with the family to offer their condolences and support, and the centre was safe to continue operating.

“Everyone at our Artarmon Centre has been deeply saddened by this news and our directors have been in contact with the family of the child to offer our sincerest thoughts and condolences and to offer any support we can.

“Please be assured our Artarmon Centre is fully accredited and compliant with all health and regulatory requirements, and we endeavour at all times to operate to the highest standards of care and hygiene.”

“Please note the Public Health Unit advises: ‘At this stage the outbreak appears to be under control and it is safe for children to continue to attend the Centre’.”

However, parents said they were shocked when they received an email from the local health district informing them of what had happened.

One father told the Daily Telegraph that he was “furious” and would not be bringing his child back to the centre. He said Little Zak’s Academy should have been shut down during the outbreak “” and that he only just found out about what had happened.

Gastroenteritis, also called ‘gastro’, is a common illness that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Many types of gastro are easily spread. According to Health Direct, it is not usually serious but it can make you very dehydrated. Milder forms can be managed at home by drinking fluids.

All parents of children at the childcare centre have been provided with health information and advice on gastroenteritis.

Sources: Au.news.yahoo.com and Kidspot.com.au