| 16 June 2011 |
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Viral Gastroenteritis
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Causative agent
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines (both small and large). Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses which occurs more commonly during cooler months of the year. The most common viruses that cause gastroenteritis are norovirus and rotavirus.
Clinical features
The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are diarrhoea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headache, fever, and abdominal cramps. In general, the symptoms begin 1-2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Depending on the type of viruses causing the illness, however, the symptoms may last for 1-10 days.
Mode of transmission
It can be transmitted via the following means:
- by food or water contaminated with the viruses;
- by contact with vomitus or faeces from infected persons;
- by contact with contaminated objects; or
- by aerosol spread.
Incubation period
1-2 days
Management
Most people will not be seriously ill by viral gastroenteritis. Those who get viral gastroenteritis require fluid replacement and usually recover completely without any long-term problems. Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) should be avoided unless specifically recommended by the doctor.
Viral gastroenteritis is contagious. People in any age group can be infected and it is particularly easy to occur and spread in institutional settings like residential care homes for the elderly or schools. Therefore, symptomatic people especially infants, young children, the elderly, persons who are disabled or whose immunity is suppressed should seek prompt medical advice.
Prevention
The public is advised to reduce their chance of infection by adopting the following measures:
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food, particularly seafood and shellfish.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after toilets and changing diapers.
- Wear gloves when handling vomitus, faeces and contaminated areas and objects. Clean and disinfect promptly and thoroughly with 1 in 49 diluted household bleach (1 part of household bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite in 49 parts of water), and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Maintain good indoor ventilation.
- Sick students should rest at home and not to go to school.
- There are oral vaccines for infants which can prevent rotavirus infection. Parents can approach their family doctors for further advice and information.
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