Diarrhoea in the Western Pacific

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day (or more frequent passage than is normal for the individual). It is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene. Diarrhoea can last several days, and can leave the body without the water and salts that are necessary for survival. The danger of diarrhoea comes from dehydration. It is a major cause of death and serious illness in children under five years old.

A significant proportion of diarrhoeal disease can be prevented through safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene. Most diarrhoea can be treated with oral-rehydration and zinc. Breastfeeding dramatically reduces the risk of diarrhoea, morbidity and mortality.