Fact Sheet: Viral Gastroenteritis What is viral gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a virus that leads to vomiting and/or diarrhea. It is often called the flu” but is not caused by the “stomach influenza virus. Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or E.coli), parasites (like Giardia), medications, or medical conditions even though symptoms may be similar. Your medical provider can determine if your gastroenteritis is caused by a virus or something else. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution made of 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water. How is it spread? Prompt washing of soiled clothing. The viruses are spread through close contact If you are a food handler, health care with infected persons (for example, by using the professional, or daycare worker stay home same bathroom, or by sharing food, water, or until all symptoms have been gone for 72 eating utensils). People may also become hours. infected by eating or drinking foods or Rotavirus vaccine is available for infants aged beverages contaminated with a virus. 6 weeks to 32 weeks of age. How is it prevented? This fact sheet is for information only and is not Frequent hand washing. meant to be used for self -diagnosis or as a substitute Proper food storage and preparation. for consultation with a health care provider. Don’t prepare food for others if you are ill. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention at: revised 5/2014
Fact Sheet: Viral Gastroenteritis What is viral gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a virus that leads to vomiting and/or diarrhea. It is often called the “stomach flu” but is not caused by the influenza virus. Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or E.coli), parasites (like Giardia), medications, or medical conditions even though symptoms may be similar. Your medical provider can determine if your gastroenteritis is caused by a virus or something else. How is it spread? The viruses are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example, by using the same bathroom, or by sharing food, water, or eating utensils). People may also become infected by eating or drinking foods or beverages contaminated with a virus. How is it prevented? Frequent hand washing. Proper food storage and preparation. Don’t prepare food for others if you are ill. Cleaning contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution made of 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Prompt washing of soiled clothing. If you are a food handler, health care professional, or daycare worker stay home until all symptoms have been gone for 72 hours. Rotavirus vaccine is available for infants aged 6 weeks to 32 weeks of age. This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self -diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention at: revised 5/2014
DPS-Viral-Gastroenteritis.docx