The Department of Health and Human Services said this week it had been notified of “a number of cases” of gastro at caravan and holiday parks along the Murray River.

“We are working with the local councils and facility owners to investigate likely sources and prevent further spread of this illness,” a spokesman said.

A holiday maker’s post to a popular Murray River camping Facebook page warning campers from Corowa to Echuca of a potential gastro bug has been shared more than 4300 times.

But several North East tourism operators and health services had not heard of any cases in this region.

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A spokeswoman for Corowa Common Trust, which hundreds visit during the season, said she was unaware of any gastro cases as a result of camping there while a Corowa Hospital spokeswoman knew of no presentations owing to an outbreak.

Yarrawonga Health chief executive Elaine Mallows said the service had “not seen or incurred any increase in presentations of gastroenteritis above expected rates this peak season”.

Yarrawonga-Mulwala Visitor Information Centre team leader Helen Copland had also not heard of any incidents in her area.

“Gastro is not an unusual case for people who camp,” she said.

“People need to use their commonsense and look after themselves.

“Do the right thing, read information boards, camp with courtesy and if they’re cooking food, to store their food correctly.”

The Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said viral gastroenteritis could spread quickly where large groups of people gathered and shared facilities.

“This is a timely reminder for all holiday makers to wash their hands with soap and warm water,” he said.