Stomach bugs are bacteria, parasites and viruses that trigger the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. An irritated gastrointestinal tract stops the ability of the body to absorb and sort out food properly. Stomach bugs are not deadly, but some are dangerous to children since gastroenteritis can cause dehydration. Appropriate first aid care must be provided in order to prevent the condition from worsening.
Stomach “bug” caused by a virus can spread from person to person through food contamination and the symptoms appear 1 to 2 days after exposure. They are mild and can usually last a day or two. Here are some of the viruses that can cause gastroenteritis:
- Nor viruses – these viruses can affect both children and adults and the most common cause of foodborne diseases. They spread among people in confined spaces. An individual can get the virus from contaminated food or water and person-to-person transmission.
- Rotavirus – the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children. The virus is acquired by placing their fingers or other objects contaminated with virus into their mouths. Infections among infants and children are more severe while an infected adult have no symptoms, but can still spread the disease.
Stomach “bug” caused by bacteria – causes an infection in the gut. The stomach and intestines become inflamed and symptoms include vomiting, severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis caused by bacteria is sometimes known as “food poisoning”. Poor hygiene can also cause bacterial gastroenteritis after close contact with an animal or by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. There are numerous kinds of bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis:
- Yersinia – pork
- E. coli – ground beef and salads
- Staphylococcus – dairy products, meat and eggs
- Campylobacter – meat and poultry
- Salmonella – meats, dairy products, and eggs
Stomach “bugs” can also be caused by parasites. Some parasitic infection that can cause gastroenteritis:
- E. vermicular is – also known as round worm and infects the body through contaminated food. Roundworms live in the large intestine and causes itching in the area around the anus.
- G. labia – a waterborne parasite that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- A. duodenal and N. Americanos – known as hookworms. Hookworms thrive in soil and infect humans through skin and hair contact. Hookworm causes vomiting and diarrhea
- E. histolytic – they are found in human waste and transmitted through contaminated food. This parasite can cause harsh abdominal pain, bloody stool and fever.
Protozoans (giardia and cryptosporidium)
These organisms are less likely to trigger an intestinal irritation. A person can be infected by these organisms by drinking contaminated water especially in swimming pools.
- Giardia – can cause waterborne diarrhea which causes giardiasis. An individual becomes infected after swallowing water contaminated with animal feces such as in river or lakes. They are also found swimming pools and wells.
- Cryptosporidium (crypto) – a parasite that lives in the intestines of infected human or animals. The infected individual or animals sheds the parasites in the stool. These parasites can also be found in food, water, soil, or contaminated surfaces such as bathroom fixtures, toys. Even diaper pails, changing tables, changing diapers, and caring for an infected individual can spread the infection. Those at risk are individuals with weak immune systems.