Infectious Diarrhea: Everything You Need To Know
Specialists define diarrhea as any thick or liquid defecation that occurs three or more times during the day. Beyond being a sign of a medical problem, infectious diarrhea is the second most common cause of death in low-income countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Western countries with developed health systems, diarrhea is not a problem. However, in other regions, it can be fatal. Whether you are here for awareness or prevention, it is essential to know this condition. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about infectious diarrhea.
What is infectious diarrhea?
As mentioned above, infectious diarrhea is classified as fluid defecation that occurs more than three times a day. According to studies, in children under 2 years, diarrhea occurs three or more times in 12 hours. May contain blood, mucus or pus.
Usually, pathogens are the ones that cause diarrhea, provided there is no other reason, such as food poisoning or gastrointestinal disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome). Viruses, bacteria or protozoa (parasitic single-celled organisms), among others, are able to cause disease.
Beyond medical information, it is essential to contextualize infectious diarrhea on a global scale. The World Health Organization has provided us with a number of relevant data. Among them, we find the following:
Causes of infectious diarrhea
The main transmission methods
How to prevent infectious diarrhea
As a basic rule, as the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) says, the best way to prevent infectious diarrhea is to sterilize kitchen surfaces. Do not drink untreated water and eat only boiled or pasteurized foods.
The microorganisms listed above are transmitted by direct contact or ingestion (water or certain foods).
What are the other symptoms of infectious diarrhea?
As you have seen in this article, many pathogens can cause infectious diarrhea: bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other parasites. In most Western countries, the disease is not a big problem, but in areas with low sanitation it is the second leading cause of death.
The best way to prevent diarrhea (except in viral cases) is to avoid eating raw, undercooked food or food that has been handled in an environment that has not been properly sanitized.
