Infectious diseases have the potential to spread readily and quickly in childcare centres and schools, as children and staff are in close proximity, there are high levels of contact between children, facilities may be shared, and younger children will have less understanding of hand hygiene.
Prevention and control of infectious diseases is a key function of the WA Department of Health which includes Public Health Units. The Department assists childcare centres and schools through a range of strategies, including providing:
- information on infectious disease issues, via guidelines, fact sheets and other publications.
- advice on specific infectious disease issues, and monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks.
Management and staff of childcare centres and schools should be informed about strategies to minimise the risk of spread of infectious diseases among children and staff.
Local Public Health Units (external link) should be notified if there is a suspected outbreak of gastroenteritis.
Below are links by topic to recommended measures and guidelines for preventing and controlling the spread of infection within a childcare facility or school.
Other relevant information
Fact sheets on gastroenteritis, related diseases and influenza (external link)
Western Australian infectious disease data