gastrointestinal disorders
Overview of Gastroenteritis
Prevention of Gastroenteritis
Two live-attenuated oral Rotavirus Vaccine are available that are safe and effective against the majority of strains responsible for disease. Rotavirus immunization is part of the recommended Prevention of infection is complicated by the frequency of asymptomatic infection and the ease with which many agents, particularly viruses, are transmitted from person to person. In general, proper procedures for handling and preparing food must be followed. Traveler’s Diarrhea should avoid potentially contaminated food and drink. To prevent recreational waterborne infections, people should not swim if they have diarrhea. Infants and toddlers should have frequent diaper checks and should be changed in a bathroom and not near the water. Swimmers should avoid swallowing water when they swim. Infants and other people with immunocompromise are particularly predisposed to developing severe cases of salmonellosis and should not be exposed to reptiles, birds, or amphibians, which commonly carrySalmonella. Breastfeeding affords some protection to neonates and infants. Caregivers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing diapers, and diaper-changing areas should be disinfected with a freshly prepared solution of 1:64 household bleach (¼ cup diluted in 1 gallon of water). Children with diarrhea should be excluded from child care facilities for the duration of symptoms. Children infected with enterohemorrhagicE. coliorShigellashould also have two negative stool tests before readmission to the facility. 