Gastroenteritis Symptoms, Spread and Prevention

Gastroenteritis is a common illness with a variety of causes. It is often highly contagious.

Gastroenteritis is an infection and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals and drugs. There are many kinds of gastroenteritis, most of them contagious (Better Health Channel 2018; Healthy WA n.d.).

Symptoms typically include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis is a short-term illness that usually heals by itself after a few days (Better Health Channel 2018).

Causes of Gastroenteritis

There are many causes of gastroenteritis. They include:

• Viruses (e.g. norovirus, rotavirus);
• Bacteria (e.g. salmonella, Campylobacter);
• Parasites (e.g. Cryptospordium, Giardia lamblia)
• Chemicals (e.g. lead poisoning, toxins in poisonous mushrooms);
• Toxins produced by bacteria, which can contaminate food (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus); and
• Some medication can cause gastroenteritis in certain people.