What is Gastroenteritis?
What is viral gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus.
What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?
The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are mostly watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headache, fever, and abdominal cramps. The symptoms begin 1-2 days following infection with a virus generally that causes gastroenteritis. The symptoms may last for 1-10 days depending on which virus causes the illness.
How can viral gastroenteritis be transmitted?
It can be transmitted by food or water contaminated with the viruses, contact with vomitus or faeces from infected persons, contact with contaminated objects, or aerosol spread.
After exposure to the virus, there will be an incubation period of 24-48 hours.
What is the management of viral gastroenteritis?
- Require fluid replacement and supportive treatment. Consult the physician if the symptoms of dehydration occur.
- Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.
How to prevent the viral gastroenteritis?
Persons can reduce their chance of getting infected by frequent handwashing, prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with 1 in 49 diluted household bleach (1 part of household bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite in 49 parts of water), and prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing. Eat only thoroughly cooked food, particularly seafood and shellfish. Vaccine is available for rotavirus infection but not norovirus infection.
Useful links:
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, US : http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm
Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, HK: http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/46.html