Abstract
Background: Acute gastroenteritis (GE) is a clinical syndrome and harbours a significant global burden. Nosocomial acquisition of gastroenteritis results in a significant economic burden. We aim to determine gastroenteritis frequency, disease severity, nosocomial acquisition and clinical spectrum in our region in 2016-2017.

Methods: Prospective study of all children up to 3 years of age who presented to Mayo University Hospital with vomiting and diarrhoea, from November 18th 2016 to November 18th 2017. All children had their clinical severity of gastroenteritis assessed using internationally recognised Vesikari scoring system.

Results: 159 cases were detected, 157 were studied, 87 were male (55%), 90 severe (57%). Nosocomial gastroenteritis was rare (2 cases) (1.1%); 129 cases were admitted, the majority of paediatric gastroenteritis cases (68%) stayed between 1-2 days. Diarrhoea was noted in all cases, vomiting (130 cases, 82%), fever (136, 86%), dehydration (89, 56%). Oral Rehydration Therapy was successful in 33 cases (21%). The fourth week of June was the week peak of the year for gastroenteritis (7 cases). The largest number of presentations with GE was noted in May (20 cases) followed by December and June (18 cases each) with the largest number of severe GE noted in June (12 cases) followed by December and May (11cases each).

Conclusion: Diarrhoea is the most predominant feature of gastroenteritis. Acute viral gastroenteritis occurs throughout the year. Seasonal variation of gastroenteritis was noted throughout the year. Nosocomial infection was rare.

Key words: Paediatric; Health services; Gastroenteritis (GE); Mayo University Hospital (MUH)