• The causes include:
• Viral or bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract
• Direct contact with the virus from an infected person
• Contaminated food and water
• Unwashed hands after using the bathroom or changing a baby’s diaper
• Undercooked poultry, eggs, or poultry juices
• Contaminated water in swimming pools
• Other causes of gastroenteritis include
• Heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury in drinking water
• Consuming too much of acidic foods such as citrus fruit and tomatoes
• Toxins in certain seafood
• Certain medications such as antibiotics, antacids, and chemotherapy

• Always wash your hands, especially before eating or while preparing food
• Eat fully and properly cooked food
• Consume clean water and fluids in small amounts
• Do not drink too much fluid at once
• Vaccination available against certain types of bacteria and virus needs to be taken
• Food handlers who are infected or recovering should not return to work until suggested by the doctor
• Do not share your personal items such as tooth brush, spoons, or towels
• Take plenty of rest
• Do not swim if you have diarrhea or vomiting
• Do not swallow the swimming pool water when you swim

If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to

• Blood in vomit or stool
• Swollen abdomen and increasingly severe abdominal pain
• Dehydration due to loss of water
• Death

Treatment involves medications. In severe cases, it may require a short hospital stay.

Medication

Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections.

Azithromycin . Vancomycin

Antiemetic: To treat nausea and vomiting.

Ondansetron

Anti-diarrheal agents: To reduce diarrhea.

Loperamide

Vaccination: Vaccinations is recommended for infants.

Rotavirus vaccine