Viral gastroenteritis - Overview
Alternative Names
Rotavirus infection; Norwalk virus; Gastroenteritis - viral; Stomach flu
Definition of Viral gastroenteritis:
Viral gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus. The infection can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. It is sometimes called the "stomach flu."
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Viral gastroenteritis is a leading cause of severe diarrhea in both adults and children. Many types of viruses can cause gastroenteritis. The most common ones are:
- Rotavirus, the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children. It can also infect adults exposed to children with the virus. Outbreaks may also occur in nursing homes.
- Norwalk virus, which is common among school-age children.
These viruses are often found in contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually appear within 4 to 48 hours after exposure to the contaminated food or water.
Those with the highest risk for severe gastroenteritis include the young, the elderly, and people who have suppressed immune systems.
- Reviewed last on: 2/14/2007
- Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Infants, Rockville, MD: National Press Office; February 3, 2006. Press Release P06-16.
Dennehy PH. Acute diarrheal disease in children: epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2005; 19(3): 585-602.
Jabbar A. Gastroenteritis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Prim Care. 2003; 30(1): 63-80, vi.
