Causative agent

Acute diarrhoea can be caused by a number of different agents. Common infective causative agents include bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella, and viruses such as Norovirus and rotavirus. Less common organisms include those causing cholera, bacillary dysentery and Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection etc. Acute diarrhoeal diseases may occur in all ages, but children are more often affected.

Clinical features

Patients with acute diarrhoeal diseases present with sudden onset of frequent loose or watery stools, often accompanied by vomiting and fever. The disease is usually mild with spontaneous recovery. Dehydration and shock may occur in severe cases.


Mode of transmission

Acute diarrhoeal diseases usually spread by contaminated hands or ingestion of contaminated food or drinks, and occasionally by aerosol. Outbreaks may occur in settings like institutions and child care centers.

Incubation period

The incubation period is usually a few hours to five days after exposure for bacterial diarrhoea and one to two days for viral diarrhoea.

Management

Acute diarrhoeal diseases are usually managed by fluid and electrolyte replacement. Patient should consult his/her family doctor for proper management if the diarrhoea is severe. Self-medication is not advisable.

Prevention

1. Observe good personal hygiene. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food and after defecation.
2. Observe good food hygiene. Avoid consumption of raw food, especially for high risk persons like elderly, children and pregnant women.
3. Observe the above health measures also when traveling abroad.