Rumours of a gastro outbreak along the Murray River have been quickly hosed down by local authorities.
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Several cases of gastroenteritis downstream in Echuca - Moama and Tocumwal were reported on the ‘Camping on the Mighty Murray River’ Facebook page last week but further comments around similar outbreaks along other parts of the Murray River including Yarrawonga have been quickly dismissed by local authorities and businesses.
A representative of Yarrawonga Health told the Yarrawonga Chronicle that the health service; “has not seen or incurred any increase in presentations of gastroenteritis above expected rates this peak tourist season.”
Yarrawonga Holiday Park managers Sean and Michelle Driscoll said they had not heard of any cases being reported but had had some cancellations as a result of the rumours.
“We have been heavily booked since Christmas day (full for at least three weeks) and we have not had one reported case of gastro here in the park,” Ms Driscoll said.
“We have had a couple of people cancel upcoming bookings due to the rumours that have been going around but we have tried to assure them that we have not had any reported cases here.”
Aquazone owner Deb North said the rumour of a gastro scare has been worrying to say the least but no reports had been re-counted to the waterpark.
“We have had zero feedback or reports from patrons regarding this,” Ms North said.
“Being a high profile business with good patron usage, our patrons would have reached out to us especially considering, if there was a common thread as many come in extended groups.
“Our team are in the lake daily. Exposed to whatever nature has instore for them.
“We have not had a case of gastro within the team and our team is large with 30 casuals making up our Lifeguard and Lifesaver Squad.
“Not one has reported Gastro, nor related symptoms, which supports the reality that the source is not within the Murray River water way. Certainly not at this time.
“I have no doubt the Department of Human Services, the EPA, and Goulburn Murray would be monitoring this very closely for the benefit of holiday makers and business operators along the water way.” The Yarrawonga Chronicle also spoke to a number of people who have just returned or are still camping by the river with each saying there was no sign of the illness.
Blue green algae concerns along the Murray River between at Echuca Moama and Albury were also hosed down by managing authorities.
The WaterNSW website on Monday showed there were no major BGA alerts between Echuca and Albury but Lake Hume has been issued with a red alert, with members of the public advised not to come in contact with the water.
“GMW is responsible for the Yarrawonga Weir/Lake Mulwala and does not have any current BGA warnings,” Goulburn Murray Water Head of Communications, Engagement and Media Kristin Favaloro said.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism Executive Officer Noel Wright said the visitor information centre are provided with an update from the appropriate authorities if any concern is issued so the public can be well informed but had not received any updates.
“We rely on the appropriate authorities to provide us with updates to better inform the public and in past years GMW and Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) have provided updates immediately as is their responsibility,” Mr Wright said.
“To date no such updates have arrived at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Visitor Information Centre for the 2018 – 2019 summer period.
“We have also not heard of any reported cases in the visitor centre.”
Moira Shire Acting General Manager Community Georgia Hills assured tourists and residents that the very small number of cases within the shire reported to council from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) had been investigated and managed with no further outbreaks reported.
Ms Hill also encouraged people to still visit and enjoy the Murray River but remain vigilant around all hygiene.
“We are asking all residents and tourists to our wonderful region to remain vigilant with their food handling procedures, particularly in these extremely hot conditions,” Ms Hills said.
“In addition, while the river water may appear ‘clean’ it has not been treated and we strongly advise campers to not drink water from the river, even if you have boiled it, only drink tap water or bottled water.”
General suggestions on how to reduce the risk of spreading gastroenteritis include:
-Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies, after smoking, after using a handkerchief or tissue or after handling animals.
-Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing food or eating.
-Use disposable paper towels to dry your hands rather than cloth towels, since the bacteria can survive for some time on objects.
-Do not handle raw and cooked foods with the same implements (tongs, knives, cutting boards) unless they have been thoroughly washed between uses.
-Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment clean.
-Keep cold food cold (below 5 °C) and hot food hot (above 60 °C) to discourage the growth of bacteria.
-Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.
-Clean the toilet and bathroom regularly, especially the toilet seat, door handles and taps.
Journalist