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 is contagious. People in any age group may be infected and it is particularly easy to occur and spread in institutional setting like residential care homes for the elderly or schools.

 

 

 

Symptoms

 

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.

People who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis should seek prompt medical advice, especially infants, young children, the elderly, persons who are disabled or whose immunity is suppressed.

 

 

 

Causes and Transmission

 

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses. The most common viruses that cause gastroenteritis are Norwalk virus and rotavirus. It can be transmitted via the following means:

 

1. by food or water contaminated with the viruses;
2. by contact with vomit or faeces from infected persons;
3. by contact with contaminated objects; or
4. by aerosol spread.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

 

Patients will be asked to submit a stool sample to rule out a possible bacterial infection.

During gastroenteritis, it is important to prevent dehydration for both children and adult. As patients may experience diarrhoea and vomiting, they may take oral rehydration or even in cases where intravenous administration is required to maintain a normal level of consumption and excretion of electrolytes and water.

 

 

 

Foods to Avoid during Viral Gastroenteritis

 

Patients should avoid eating uncooked vegetables, wheat bran, coffee, strong tea and fried fatty foods.

 

 

 

Prevention

 

The public is advised to reduce their chance of being infected by adopting the following measures:

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after going to toilets and handling vomitus or faecal matter;
2. Wear gloves while cleaning up vomitus and faeces, and wash hands afterwards;
3. Clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with a diluted household bleach in the ratio of 1:49;
4. Sick students should rest at home and not go to school;
5. Maintain good indoor ventilation;
6. Eat only thoroughly cooked food, particularly seafood and shellfish.

 

*The above information is for reference only, please consult your doctor for detail.