An urgent warning has been issued to parents and school staff as growing numbers of people have reported to have contracted a nasty bug.
Public Health Wales confirmed it has been made aware of numerous individuals reporting gastroenteritis-type illnesses in the region.
Letters have been sent to parents and staff at educational settings in Swansea and Carmarthenshire areas, providing crucial guidance on how to protect themselves and others in their care during the outbreak.
Local environmental health authorities are currently working to contain the spread of the illness.
An electron micrograph of the Norwalk virus which can cause nonbacterial Gastroenteritis. An estimated 181,000 cases of this type of food poisoning occur annually
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Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that primarily causes diarrhoea and vomiting, according to the NHS.
The illness can affect people of any age, though it is particularly common in young children.
The condition is typically caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
Public health officials are particularly concerned about its spread in educational and childcare settings, where children are in close contact with one another.
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Children washing hands in school
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The health authority has issued strict guidance for educational settings, stating that anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting must be sent home immediately.
Students and staff members cannot return to school or childcare settings until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
The health authority emphasised the critical importance of hand hygiene, particularly after using the toilet.
Those experiencing symptoms have been advised to avoid preparing food for others.
Norovirus (pictured) is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in adults, while rotavirus is the most common cause in children
PA/CDC
Officials are urging anyone who becomes unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting to contact their GP or local health service to provide a faeces sample.
Medical advice should be sought if symptoms begin to worsen or if individuals have concerns about their condition.
Concerned individuals can contact Public Health Wales’ AWARE team on 0300 003 0032 for additional information.