Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also called infectious diarrhea, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that involves the stomach and the intestine. It typically produces diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain, sometimes with fever, tiredness and dehydration, and usually lasts less than two weeks. In Canada and the United States it is often called the stomach flu, although it is unrelated to influenza. Most cases are caused by viruses, with rotavirus the leading cause of severe disease in children and norovirus and Campylobacter common in adults, though bacteria, parasites and fungi can also be responsible. It spreads through improperly prepared food, contaminated water and close contact with an infected person. Treatment centers on replacing fluids, usually with oral rehydration solution and intravenous fluids in severe cases, and antibiotics are generally not needed. Worldwide it caused an estimated 4.67 billion cases in 2021, with children and people in the developing world affected most.