Jael Shan O., 2

Jael is a cheerful and playful two-year-old girl who enjoys spending time with her toys and other children. She is the only child of a mother who is a housewife and a father who supports the family through motorcycle taxi work. Although normally lively and sociable, Jael becomes quiet and withdrawn whenever she is unwell. She had been healthy until one evening when she became unusually restless, cried frequently, and appeared dull. Her mother gave her pain medication, but her condition did not improve. Three days later, Jael developed a high fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting, which continued for nearly four days. She was eventually taken to hospital, where she was found to be lethargic and dehydrated and was admitted for treatment. Jael responded well to care and has since been discharged on oral medication. She is now breastfeeding, eating, and playing as she did before becoming ill.

For most people, gastroenteritis isn’t serious. But for people with weaker immune systems, it can be. This includes children under 5, adults over 65 and anyone with a lower health status in general just like the case of Jael Shan. The prognosis is excellent for most patients with viral gastroenteritis. However, if volume depletion and electrolyte disturbances are not recognized and managed properly, this condition can cause serious morbidity and mortality. Usually, once patients recover, there are no long-term consequences. Intolerance of carbohydrates (e.g., lactose) and proteins (cows' milk, soya protein) can develop in a minority of patients after an episode of viral gastroenteritis.