Acute Diarrheal Disease

1 Active Outbreak

Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) is a sudden episode of frequent, loose, or watery stools, lasting typically less than 14 days. It is primarily caused by infections from viruses (e.g., Rotavirus, Norovirus), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella), or parasites (e.g., Giardia). ADD is a leading cause of illness and death, especially among young children in low-income countries, but affects people of all ages worldwide.

1
Countries Affected
51
Recent Cases (30d)
1
Active Outbreaks
25d ago
Last Updated
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What is Acute Diarrheal Disease?

Diarrheal diseases have historically been a major cause of death, with large epidemics like cholera outbreaks shaping public health interventions. The development of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in the 1960s and 70s was a monumental breakthrough, drastically reducing mortality from diarrhea globally. This simple, affordable solution transformed how diarrheal diseases are managed, particularly in developing nations.

Symptoms

  • Frequent, loose, or watery stools
  • Abdominal cramps or pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever (common with bacterial infections)
  • Dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, lethargy, sunken eyes) – a serious complication

Transmission

Acute Diarrheal Disease primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route. This occurs when contaminated feces from an infected person or animal are ingested, often indirectly. Common routes include consuming contaminated food or water, touching contaminated surfaces and then one's mouth, or direct person-to-person contact due to poor hand hygiene.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Practice good hand hygiene with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food.
  • Drink safe, treated water and avoid unpasteurized dairy or uncooked foods.
  • Ensure proper sanitation, including safe disposal of human waste.
  • Breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months.
  • Vaccinate children against Rotavirus.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

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Australia, Queensland 2026-05-09
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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

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Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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