Viral gastroenteritis fact sheet

Signs and symptoms

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by highly infectious viruses which usually enter the human body through the mouth.

This can occur by eating infected food or drink, but more commonly the virus passes directly from person to person. The time from initial infection with the virus, to developing the disease, is usually about 24–48 hours.

The symptoms usually include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps. The illness is not usually serious and may only last a few hours.

However, babies, the elderly and debilitated people can be particularly vulnerable to fluid loss and dehydration. This may occur through severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

The ill person is commonly infectious until about 48 hours after the illness has subsided. They should therefore be off school or work for this period, to avoid spreading the disease.

Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli) or parasites (such as Giardia), or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar.

Seek advice from your doctor if you become concerned.

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Viral gastroenteritis spreads very easily...

Large numbers of highly infectious virus particles are present in the vomit and bowel motions (faeces) of a person with the disease.

Thus, an infected person can easily pass the disease to someone else via their soiled fingers - or via surfaces or objects contaminated by tiny traces of their vomit or faeces.

Viral gastroenteritis is often caught by someone when their fingers have touched an infected surface or object and then put their fingers in their mouths.

Viral gastroenteritis can also be spread when food or drink has been handled and contaminated by an infected person, and this is then consumed by another person.

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How to avoid it

Personal Hygiene

  • Hands must always be washed thoroughly using soap and warm water, and carefully dried, every time after: leaving the sick room; using the lavatory; handling soiled clothing, linen or nappies; before eating or preparing food or drinks.
  • There are some people, such as younger children, those with learning difficulties and the frail elderly, who may well need extra help or supervision with strict personal hygiene.
  • Affected infants should wear clothing over their nappies.
  • People with viral gastroenteritis should not share their towels or flannels. It may be easier for them to use disposable paper towels during the illness for hand drying.

Food and drink

  • People with viral gastroenteritis should not prepare food for others and should, if possible, stay well away from food preparation areas.
  • Those working in the food industry must report viral gastroenteritis to their employer.

Cleaning and hygiene

  • When someone has viral gastroenteritis it is important that lavatory areas, in particular, should be frequently and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected – it is best to wear rubber gloves for this. Always wash hands afterwards.
  • Special attention should be paid to anything likely to be touched or contaminated with faeces. This includes lavatory seats, flush handles, door handles, wash basins, taps, floors, tiling, light switches, potties, change mats, etc.
  • Gross contamination of linen should if possible first be flushed off with running water. Sinks/lavatories used for this process should be cleaned and disinfected afterwards. Finish the laundering with an ordinary "hot wash". Always wash hands thoroughly after handling soiled clothes or linen.

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A most important point...

Persons with viral gastroenteritis who work in 'higher risk' locations such as Residential/Nursing Homes for the elderly, hospitals, schools (including nursery schools), catering establishments, etc. must not return to work until 48 hours after they have become well with no symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting.