3 illnesses to watch this winter
THREE viruses are plaguing Toowoomba residents this winter.
According to the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, residents need to be on the look out for these viruses.
1. Influenza
Symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and tiredness.
Influenza, or the flu, is once again a problem.
Public health physician and director of the Darling Downs Public Health Unit Dr Penny Hutchinson said cases were on the rise.
“We’re starting to see increasing numbers, particularly in the last couple of weeks.”
The unit recorded 315 cases of the disease so far this year based on laboratory testing.
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Although the virus was not notifiable, Dr Hutchinson said there had been a rise in cases, particularly in aged-care facilities.
“We are seeing that circulating, as well as influenza.”
3. Gastroenteritis shigella
A bowel infection caused by bacteria from the shigella family.
Dr Hutchinson said the unit had noted an increase in the cases of shigella.
“We’re seeing that up in the South Burnett. We’ve had a cluster up there.
“It’s a bacteria and it causes vomiting and diarrhoea and stomach pains. It can be quite a serious illness in children and the elderly.
“We’re recommending people who have those symptoms - particularly in the South Burnett - that they see their GP and get tested.”
There have been 10 cases reported, which is unusual.