Gold Coast gastro outbreak spreads to 20 schools, kindergartens and aged care facilities

Queensland health authorities are desperately trying to contain a number of gastro outbreaks on the Gold Coast which have left hundreds of children sick.

In the past two weeks more than 240 children have been struck down with the illness.

Queensland Health says the source is 20 different outbreaks across the Gold Coast which have spread through schools, kindergartens and aged care facilities.

Eighty-five staff members are also unwell.