NT Health has issued a public health alert following a massive increase in the number of cases of gastroenteritis in Territorians.

The agency said there are now 151 reported cases of gastro to date since the start of 2023 – an increase of 92 per cent compared to the average number of cases recorded as at July 17 over the past five years.

Gastro is caused by cryptosporidiosis parasites that can infect people and animals through the consumption of contaminated food or drinking water.

An increase in gastro is often seen during the Dry season, introduced by interstate or overseas travellers, and it can spread easily from person to person, health officials said.

It can also be acquired by handling contaminated objects or surfaces and then with unwashed hands touching your lips or mouth or eating handheld food.

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, blood or pus in the faeces, loss of appetite, bloating, lethargy and body aches.

Measures that can be taken to protect oneself from gastro include washing hands with warm soapy water; cooking meat, fish, and poultry thoroughly; ensuring that kitchen equipment is kept separate from ready-to-eat foods; preventing bacterial growth by keeping food cold (below 5°C) and hot food hot (above 60°C); and by preventing people suspected of having gastro, or with diarrhea from preparing food that will be consumed by others.

The agency also warned that people with diarrhea should not swim, wade or paddle in public pools.

While most gastro will resolve on its own after a few days, anyone with symptoms of having diarrhea for more than three days or blood in faeces should seek medical attention immediately.

For more information, you can visit https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/digestive-health/gastro-diarrhoea