Diagnosing Gastroenteritis

A doctor will normally be able to diagnose gastroenteritis based on the symptoms, particularly if there are a number of similar cases in the community. They may take a stool sample to test for rotavirus or to rule out a possible parasitic or bacterial infection. They will also usually check to see if the patient has recently travelled abroad where they may have had no inbuilt resistance to local organisms.

As food poisoning is a notifiable disease in the UK, the doctor must inform the local authority about any cases of gastroenteritis. This will enable them to investigate the cause and to take any appropriate action to prevent it from happening again. This may include closing down food outlets or prosecuting owners for inadequate food hygiene standards.