Territorians are advised to take extra precautions following a rise in cases of rotavirus, norovirus and other causes of infectious gastroenteritis, NT Health has said.

The Health Department reported 112 cases of rotavirus to date in 2023, an increase of 93 per cent against the average number of 58 cases recorded by August 31 over the past five years.

Gastro is spread by consuming contaminated food or drinking water. The diseases can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.

NT Health said rotavirus infection is the main cause of severe gastro in young children worldwide.

The majority of cases this year have been found in the Central Australia and Barkly regions, affecting young children who are most at risk of severe dehydration.

Common gastro 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.

A vaccine is available and is the best protection against rotavirus, health officials said. This is usually given free to children at 6 weeks and again at 4 months of age as part of the National Immunisation Program.

NT Health encourages Territorians to ensure their children are protected by checking immunisation records in the Australian Immunisation Register through MyGov or by talking to their GP or healthcare provider.

Norovirus, another infectious disease that causes gastro, was also found to be the cause of several outbreaks of gastro in the NT last month.

The cryptosporidiosis parasite can also cause gastro. NT Health has reported 168 cases of cryptosporidiosis to date in 2023. This is double the average number of 84 cases recorded as of August 31 over the past five years.

Gastro is preventable through simple measures in food preparation and hygiene.

NT Health said individuals can protect themselves from gastro by washing hands regularly with soap and warm water; ensuring meat, fish and poultry are cooked thoroughly; and making sure that cutting boards, knives and plates for raw food are kept separate from ready-to-eat-foods.

Anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should not prepare or handle food for others; stay home from work for at least 24 hours, and 48 hours for healthcare workers and those in food preparation; and not go into shared water spaces such as pools.

People, especially babies, with diarrhea should drink extra fluids.

While most gastro will resolve on its own after a few days, people should seek medical advice if they experience diarrhea occurring for more than three days, difficulty in keeping down fluids, and blood in the stool.

More information on gastro can be found here.