Diarrheal Disease Transmission and Burden
The WHO defines diarrhea as the passage of three
or more loose or liquid stools per day, or more
frequently than is normal for an individual. It is
caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms
and is usually a symptom of gastrointestinal
infection.
Diarrheal disease is transmitted through the fecaloral
route and is spread through contaminated
food and drinking water or from person to person
as a result of poor hygiene and sanitation. Diarrhea
is life-threatening because it leads to fluid loss and
can cause severe dehydration. Infants who are not
exclusively breastfed, young children, and adults
who are malnourished or have weakened immune
systems are at greatest risk.7, 8
There are three major diarrhea syndromes: acute
watery, persistent, and bloody.