Gastroenteritis
What is it?
Gastroenteritis, known as 'gastro', is inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals and some drugs.
What are the symptoms?
Diarrhoea is the most common symptom.jpg)
Appetite loss
Bloating
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps and pain
Blood in faeces - in some cases
Pus in faeces - sometimes
Generally feeling unwell "including lethargy and body aches¨
Hyperactive bowel sounds
In most cases, gastroenteritis is not severe, although the risk of serious illness is higher for older people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Transmission
Gastroenteritis may spread through
Close contact with infected people
Touching contaminated surfaces
Eating contaminated food
Poor hand hygiene
Airborne droplets
Diagnosis
It is advised to treat symptoms of gastroenteritis as norovirus until proven otherwise. Gastroenteritis is likely to be diagnosed by the Doctor based on an assessment, a physical exam, and a comparison to similar cases in the community. The Doctor may order a faecal sample and blood tests.
Outbreak definition
Caution with residents exhibiting symptoms of gastroenteritis is required. It is advised to "suspect" an outbreak within a facility with a single presentation. An outbreak of gastroenteritis is where two or more people, residents and/or employees, in a facility become ill with vomiting or diarrhoea within 24 hours of each other. An outbreak needs to be reported to the public health unit.
Commence a spreadsheet:
Names of the residents and/or employees that have symptoms
Date of onset of symptoms
Type of symptoms
When symptoms resolve