Gastroenteritis epidemiology and demographics
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Gastroenteritis Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Epidemiology
Globally, gastroenteritis caused 4.6 million deaths in children in 1980 alone, most of these in the developing world, where the lack of adequate safe water and sewage treatment capacity contribute to the spread of infectious gastroenteritis. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine estimates the current total figure to be 2.4 to 2.9 million per year. The global death rate has now come down significantly to approximately 1.5 million deaths annually, largely due to global introduction of proper oral rehydration therapy.
The incidence in the developed countries is as high as 1-2.5 cases per child per year and a major cause of hospitalisation in this age group.
Age, living conditions, hygiene and cultural habits are important factors. Aetiological agents vary depending on the climate. Furthermore, most cases of gastroenteritis are seen during the winter in temperate climates and during summer in the tropics.