Epidemiology

Globally, 1.5 million deaths from diarrhoeal diseases were reported in 2019.[1] Children <5 years, and people living in developing countries, are particularly vulnerable to diarrhoeal disease.[2] The average child <5 years of age experiences 2.2 diarrhoeal episodes per year in developed countries, and this rate in developing countries is significantly higher.[3] Viral gastroenteritis caused approximately 216,000 deaths in children <5 years in 2011.[4]

Viral gastroenteritis is spread mainly by the faecal-oral route; this may occur through contaminated hands, utensils, food, and drink. Gastroenteritis is associated with poverty and poor environmental or personal hygiene. Spread among family members is common, and outbreaks may occur in daycare centres and hospitals. Several epidemiological studies have suggested that rotavirus infection can be transmitted by respiratory droplets.[5] In temperate regions, rotavirus gastroenteritis has a marked seasonality, peaking during the cold months.[6]

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