Bowel infections
Key facts Bowel infections are caused by microorganisms (‘bugs’, or germs) in the gut, and are sometimes called gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis). You can get a bowel infection by consuming contaminated water or food, or by having contact with another person who has the infection. Bowel infections can be caused by viruses (such as the rotavirus), bacteria (e.g. salmonella) and parasites (e.g. giardia). You should see your doctor if symptoms are severe, you have a fever, there’s blood or mucus in you stools (poo), you have signs of dehydration or if diarrhoea has lasted more than 2 or 3 days. What