Viruses are the most common cause of gastro - three in every four cases of gastro are due to viruses and the culprit is often Rotavirus.

By the age of five years, almost all children will have had one or more bouts of rotavirus gastro. Children under the age of two years are typically the most severely affected and may need to be treated in hospital for dehydration.

Rotavirus is more common in children in close communities such as childcare centres as the virus is highly contagious. Rotavirus can also spread to family members of the infected child. Adults and older children typically experience no obvious symptoms, although some adults and older children can become ill.

Viruses are the most common cause of gastro - three in every four cases of gastro are due to viruses and the culprit is often Rotavirus.

The impact