DOZENS of primary school students across Horsham have become sick amid a gastro outbreak, with several schools reporting incidents.
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Wimmera Health Care Group infection control coordinator Rachel Baker said the most important thing people affected by gastro could do was to stay home.
"Some people get confused about this," she said. "People need to stay home until 48 hours after their last symptom, not from the first outbreak."
Ms Baker advised people to always wash their hands with soap and water, use a fresh towel or paper towel when drying their hands and if impacted stay hydrated.
Horsham West Primary School students have been impacted by the gastroenteritis outbreak. It comes as some students prepare to perform in the first show of their comedy musical production, Unhappily Never After.
The school issued a statement to its Facebook page, saying any students in the production who have gastro symptoms might need to miss the first performance on Wednesday.
"If this is the case, and we hope that it isn't, we ask that you drop your costume to the town hall tomorrow or Wednesday so that a replacement actor may be found for any performances missed," the statement read.
"Obviously this is unfortunate but the health and wellbeing of students is paramount. Upon recovery, students will be welcomed with open arms back into their role.
"Thanks for your understanding and appreciate your diligence. As they say...The show must go on!"
Horsham West and Haven Primary School principal Andrew Parry said the number of affected students had "drastically reduced" since earlier in the week.
The school's Facebook post noted that "a number of students suffering from what appears to be gastro" had "been sent home from school today complaining of symptoms".
"At this stage, we do not believe the cause to be food related. Additional hand sanitiser is available at the school and we will ensure all sanitary facilities are detail cleaned this evening," the Facebook statement said.
Horsham Primary School also posted a statement to its Facebook on Monday, noting several reported cases of gastro.
"Students with cold or flu-like symptoms or vomiting or diarrhoea are encouraged to seek medical attention, limit contact with others and stay at home until symptoms have passed," the statement read.
Other Horsham schools said some students had gastro symptoms, but that the situation was under control.
Ss Michael and John's Primary School deputy principal Michael Rowe said the school had been "lucky" at this stage with only one reported outbreak.
A Holy Trinity Lutheran College spokeswoman said parents had notified the school that 16 students would remain at home due to illness, but only a handful of these cases were reportedly gastro related.
A Haven Primary School spokesman said just one student was affected.
Horsham Aquatic Centre manager Sam Winter said the centre was taking appropriate precautions.
She reminded people that while people affected by gastro should wait at least 48 hours after the last symptom before entering the pool, that was only the minimum time. She said waiting two weeks before swimming was preferred.
Ms Winter said the centre had been "really proactive" and had double chlorinated both indoor pools as a precaution.
Wimmera Health Care Group issued a statement on its Facebook page, asking patients not to visit the hospital if they were feeling unwell.
Horsham and District Kindergarten Association executive officer Pauline Butler said they hadn't really been affected but asked people with symptoms to stay away.
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