Diarrhea and Vomiting (Gastroenteritis; norovirus, rotavirus)
* Designated Reportable Disease
This is intended as a general guide. Consult a health care provider for diagnosis and for recommendations or advice. Notify the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit if there is a higher than usual number of cases of any disease. To report a case of Gastroenteritis, use the Reportable Disease Form or call a public health nurse or public health inspector on the Infectious Disease team at 1-800-660-5853.
How it Spreads
Germs are found in vomit and stool (poop) of an infected person and can spread to another person’s mouth usually through unclean hands.
Incubation period *24–72 hour.
* Incubation period = Time between contact with disease and start of symptom.
How to Recognize
Vomiting, diarrhea (unformed or watery stool), fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, fatigue, headache.
When it is Contagious
While diarrhea and/or vomiting are present and up to 48 hours after symptoms stop.
When to Report/Exclude
Exclude from child care and school for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Report outbreaks in child care settings immediately and exclude for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.