What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis (‘gastro’) is an infection of the digestive system. There are many causes of gastroenteritis,
including: viruses (e.g. Norovirus, Rotavirus, Adenovirus); bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella); bacterial toxins (e.g. botulism); and parasites (e.g. Giardia, Cryptosporidium).

In Australia, rare causes include ‘traveller’s bugs’ such as typhoid and cholera. These usually affect people who have been travelling overseas and their close contacts.

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How do you get gastroenteritis?

The micro-organisms that cause gastroenteritis are found in the faeces and vomit of infected people and can contaminate food, water and objects. People can become infected in several ways, including:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with the organisms.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then placing their hands in their mouth or using
  contaminated hands to put food in their mouth.
• When children put contaminated toys in their mouth.

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What are the signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Symptoms usually begin about 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the source of infection but can appear as early as 6 hours after exposure.
Symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhoea
• bloody stools/faeces (in some cases)
• stomach pain/cramps
• fever
• generally feeling unwell, including lethargy and body aches
• giardia infection may also cause bloating and foul-smelling, greasy faeces

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How do I get treated?

Treatment depends on the cause but in general people with gastroenteritis should:

• Drink plenty of fluids such as plain water or oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies).
• Antibiotics are usually not required. However, depending on the cause of your gastroenteritis
  antibiotic treatment may be needed. Consult your GP or a doctor of your choice.
• Avoid anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medications unless prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

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What do I do if I have gastroenteritis?

The faeces and vomit of a person with gastroenteritis are usually infectious from the time the person begins feeling ill until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Some people may be infectious for weeks to months after recovery. An infected person should not share drinks or food for at least 24 hours after recovering from gastroenteritis and everyone should routinely practise effective hand hygiene after using the toilet and before eating.

People who are infected with gastroenteritis should not prepare food until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved. Dispose of food that may have been contaminated by an ill person.

• Do not go to work for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Do not handle or prepare food for the family or household for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Keep children home from school for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• People in hospitals, nursing homes and other residential facilities should be nursed in their own room, with a private bathroom for at least 24 hours after symptoms have stopped.
• Immediately remove and wash any clothes or bedding contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea using
  soap and hot water.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.

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How do I reduce the risks of getting gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is highly infectious and spreads easily from person to person through very tiny amounts of
contaminated material. A gastroenteritis-causing organism can survive on contaminated surfaces for up to
24 hours or longer.

• Wash hands with soap and water after changing nappies, after handling animals, birds or pets and before preparing or handling food or drinks. To wash your hands effectively, lather thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean single use towel (e.g. paper towel) and turn the tap off with the towel to avoid possible recontamination.
• If hand washing facilities are not available use an alcohol-based gel.
• Keep cold food below 5°C and hot food above 60°C.
• Make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.
• Refrigerate any foods suspected of having caused the illness as they may be needed for analysis.

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Is there a vaccination against gastroenteritis?

There are currently no vaccines that protect against most of the gastroenteritis organisms found in Australia.
Rotavirus vaccine is suitable only for babies under 6 months of age. It is included in the Western Australian
Childhood Vaccination Schedule and is free. However, typhoid and cholera vaccines are available for travellers to high risk areas overseas and can provide some protection.

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Where can I find more information on gastroenteritis?

For further information contact your GP, a doctor of your choice or Health Direct (1800 022 222).