La Reunion - Gastroenteritis epidemic: increase in severe cases among children under 2 years old

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Gastroenteritis epidemic: increase in severe cases among children under 2 years old

News
October 13, 2025

Since the beginning of September, an increase in the number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for gastroenteritis has been observed in Réunion. This situation particularly affects children under 2 years old. The ARS of Réunion is reminding people of the simple hygiene measures to follow.

Situation report

An increase in cases of gastroenteritis is observed in children under 2 years of age, who represent:

1. 16% of emergency room visits in week 40 (from September 29 to October 5).
2. 78 emergency room visits recorded in week 40 compared to 44 the previous week.
3. 17 hospitalizations in week 40 compared to 7 the previous week.

This trend is also observed in community medicine where an increase in consultations for acute diarrhea, all ages, is reported by the network of sentinel doctors: 3.7% activity in week 40 compared to less than 2% in week 35.

In addition, deaths reported in connection with cases of acute gastroenteritis are under investigation.

Data: Public Health France

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system most often caused by a virus. Viruses can survive for several hours to several days on inanimate surfaces.

The illness lasts on average 2 to 5 days, but you can remain contagious for several days after recovery.

SYMPTOMS: Vomiting, severe diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, fever, chills, stomach pain, abdominal cramps, nausea.​

What to do if you have symptoms?

As soon as symptoms appear, it is recommended to:

1. Have the child drink regularly to rehydrate: The best way to prevent complications from acute diarrhea is through rehydration. Rehydration solutions can be used and are available at pharmacies. Water, broth, and apple juice can be used in combination.
2. Consult a doctor quickly : examinations and analyses can be carried out if necessary.

Beware of warning signs that indicate imminent life-threatening risk

Children, especially babies under one year old, can become dehydrated within hours.

1. In case of diarrhea with or without vomiting, with or without fever, give the rehydration solution to drink often, in small quantities.
2. Watch for warning signs : repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, unusual behavior (child very tired or unresponsive or inconsolable), dry diaper (no pee, be careful very liquid diarrhea can make you think of urine).

How to avoid the transmission of gastroenteritis?

Simple preventive hygiene measures can limit the risk of transmitting the disease:

1. Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling food, before eating, and before any contact with the child (before meals, before and after each change).
2. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces used (door handles, handrails, counters, etc.) with suitable products (detergents, bleach, etc.).

The viruses that transmit gastroenteritis are in fact very resistant in the environment and can persist on these surfaces.

1. Keep sick children at home under constant supervision.
2. Wear a mask in case of digestive symptoms but also in case of flu .

Gastroenteritis can become very serious very quickly: let's protect our little ones.

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/...scence-des-cas-graves-chez-les-moins-de-2-ans