Definition:

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by a variety of viruses. Rotavirus, enteric adenovirus, calicivirus, and astrovirus typically cause diarrhea in infants and young children, whereas the Norwalk group of viruses (and occasionally calicivirus and astrovirus) produces explosive epidemics of gastroenteritis associated with contaminated water and foods, in adults as well as school-age children. No effective treatments have been developed for viral gastroenteritis. Current efforts are targeted at the development of suitable vaccines and the implementation of infection control measures.