Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passing of increased amounts (more than 300g in 24 hours) of loose stools.  It is often caused by a virus or bacteria and can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term) - lasting more than two to three weeks.

Diarrhoea often accompanied by stomach pains, feeling sick and vomiting.  It is an infection usually due to consumption of drinking water contaminated with bacteria, undercooked meat and eggs or improper handling of foods.

Globally, seven children die of diarrhoea every minute, mainly due to poor quality drinking water and malnutrition, which still affects the majority of the world population.

Diarrhoea occurs when the micro-organisms irritate the mucous membrane of the small or large intestine resulting in an abnormally large quantity of water in the motions.  The irritated gut becomes very active, contracting excessively and irregularly (colic).  This can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and cold sweats.  In some cases the motion may include some blood.

Possible causes

bacterial and viral infections and food poisoning

bacteria or viruses that have been transmitted from person to person.  For this reason, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet.

you can not assess the quality of food or detect contamination by its smell or the way it looks.  Contamination food usually looks and tastes fine.