Is Viral gastroenteritis Contagious?

Contagion summary:

Viral gastroenteritis is transmitted by the fecal-oral route via person-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated foods and water. Ill food handlers may contaminate foods that are not further cooked before consumption. Enteric adenovirus may also be transmitted by the respiratory route. Shellfish have been implicated in illness caused by a parvo-like virus. (Source: FDA Bad Bug Book)

The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example, by sharing food, water, or eating utensils). Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages. (Source: excerpt from Viral Gastroenteritis: DVRD)

Discussion about Contagion of Viral gastroenteritis:

Food may be contaminated by food preparers or handlers who have viral gastroenteritis, especially if they do not wash their hands regularly after using the bathroom. Shellfish may be contaminated by sewage, and persons who eat raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from contaminated waters may get diarrhea. Drinking water can also be contaminated by sewage and be a source of spread of these viruses. (Source: excerpt from Viral Gastroenteritis: DVRD)

About contagion and contagiousness:

Contagion and contagiousness refers to how easily the spread of Viral gastroenteritis is possible from one person to another. Other words for contagion include "infection", "infectiousness", "transmission" or "transmissability". Contagiousness has nothing to do with genetics or inheriting diseases from parents. For an overview of contagion, see Introduction to Contagion.

 » Next page: Treatments for Viral gastroenteritis

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