Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut (intestines). The severity can range from a stomach upset for a day or two with some mild diarrhoea, to severe diarrhoea and vomiting for several days or longer. Many viruses, bacteria and other microbes (germs) can cause gastroenteritis. The majority of cases are viral.
Dr Sage said a combination of poor food hygiene and variable weather conditions had presented the perfect conditions for a gastroenteritis outbreak.
"People frequently do not pay attention to proper food storage and handling practices and this poor food hygiene added to the climatic conditions at this time of the year means outbreaks are not uncommon."
Dr Sage said in many gastroenteritis cases it was possible, and preferable, to self-treat symptoms. He added that personal hygiene, especially handwashing, was very important in order to prevent its spread throughout the household.
For advice on gastroenteritis people were advised to contact their GP, call Healthline NZ on 0800 611 116, Kaitiaki Nursing on 07 571 0144, or Accident & HealthCare Medical Centre, in Second Avenue, Tauranga, on 07 577 0010.
Gastroenteritis symptoms
The main symptom is diarrhoea, often with vomiting as well. Diarrhoea means loose or watery stools (faeces), usually at least three times in 24 hours. Blood or mucus can appear in the stools with some infections.
Crampy pains in your abdomen are common. Pains may ease for a while each time you pass some diarrhoea.
A high temperature (fever), headache and aching limbs sometimes occur.
If vomiting occurs, it often lasts only a day or so, but sometimes longer.
Diarrhoea often continues after the vomiting stops and commonly lasts for several days or more. Slightly loose stools may persist for a week or so further before a normal pattern returns. Sometimes the symptoms last longer.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the main complication of gastroenteritis. Mild dehydration is reversible by drinking more water.
Signs of severe dehydration include: greatly reduced urine output and thirst (reduced wet nappies in infants); llethargy; confusion; weakness; irritability in young children; dry mouth; inability to produce tears in children.
Those at risk of severe dehydration include:
Elderly or frail people/chemotherapy patients
Those on diuretics or with kidney problems
Pregnant women
The very young
Seek medical attention if any of the above signs of severe dehydration are experienced, if blood and slime is present in the stool, or if blood is vomited.
Self-help Treatment in Mild Gastroenteritis Cases
If you have gastroenteritis, it is very important to replace any fluids that your body loses through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Drink at least two litres of water a day, plus 200ml of water every time you pass diarrhoea.
If you vomit, wait five-10 minutes and then start drinking again, but more slowly. For example, a sip every two-three minutes, but making sure your total intake is as described above.
Oral rehydration salts are recommended for people who are vulnerable to the effects of dehydration, such as elderly people or those with another existing condition. Oral rehydration salts are available in sachets from pharmacies. They help replace salt, glucose and other important minerals that your body loses during dehydration.
Soup is a useful rehydration fluid.
Eat as normally as possible.
Over-the-counter loperamide is a useful treatment to deal with excessive diarrhoea but not to be used if a fever of 38.5C is present. Your pharmacist can advise.
Personal hygiene, especially handwashing, is important in order to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis throughout the household.
