There are a large number of viruses and bacteria that can cause gastro. A 'virus' is the usual culprit, particularly in young children - the most common type is called 'rotavirus'. Nearly all children will have at least one bout of rotavirus gastro before the age of five.

Severe rotavirus gastroenteritis can be potentially serious for young babies and has fast appearing symptoms of diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.

The diarrhoea can last for five to eight days which, along with fever and vomiting, can result in babies becoming dehydrated and if serious can require admission to hospital for immediate treatment.

Nearly all children will have at least one bout of rotavirus gastro before the age of five.

What causes it?