Press Release

Viral Gastroenteritis

November 19, 2003

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines (both small and large). Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses which is more commonly found during cooler months of the year. The most common viruses that cause gastroenteritis are Norwalk virus and rotavirus.

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms include headache, fever, and abdominal cramps. In general, the symptoms begin 1 to 2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may last for 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the illness.

Most people will not be seriously ill by viral gastroenteritis. Those who get viral gastroenteritis require fluid replacement and usually recover completely without any long-term problems. However, viral gastroenteritis is contagious. People in any age group may be infected and it is particularly easy to occur and spread in institutional setting like residential care homes for the elderly or schools. It can be transmitted via the following means:

1. by food or water contaminated with the viruses;
2. by contact with vomit or faeces from infected persons;
3. by contact with contaminated objects; or
4. by aerosol spread.

People who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis should seek prompt medical advice, especially infants, young children, the elderly, persons who are disabled or whose immunity is suppressed.

In terms of treatment, the most important point for both children and adult is to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration). Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.

Currently, there is no effective vaccination against viral gastroenteritis. However, the public is advised to reduce their chance of being infected by adopting the following measures:

• wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, and after going to toilets and handling vomitus or faecal matter;
• wear gloves while cleaning up vomitus and faeces, and wash hands afterwards;
• clean and disinfect contaminated areas and items promptly and thoroughly with a diluted household bleach in the ratio of 1:49;
• sick students should rest at home and not go to school;
• maintain good indoor ventilation;
• eat only thoroughly cooked food, particularly seafood and shellfish.