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Gastrointestinal infections (GI)

The importance of understanding the cause and its prevalence

GI infections are caused by the ingestion of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, into the digestive tract. These infections are often spread through contaminated food or water, but can also spread person-to-person due to poor hygiene.

Most people with GI infections recover on their own, but GI infections can be dangerous in persons with weakened or compromised immune systems.1

This information is provided as an educational resource only.
 
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Controlling the Spread of Infections in Evacuation Centers: DISASTER RECOVERY FACT SHEET. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/infectevac.html (Accessed September 2023).
  2. Fletcher, S., et al. (2013). Prevalence of gastrointestinal pathogens in developed and developing countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Public Health Res. 2(1): 42–53.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne Germs and Illnesses. http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden (Accessed September 2023)