[Epidemiologic study of acute infantile gastroenteritis in New Caledonia]

In a test area (suburbs of Nouméa), a survey on acute infantile gastro-enteritis showed an annual incidence of 2.2% and a hospitalization rate of 27.5%. The 0 to 23 months age group was the most exposed. The factors of severity were: a low age, a high frequency of liquid stool, vomits, fever and associated acute respiratory infection. The etiologic diagnosis was possible in 76% of cases: 49.5% enteropathogens (22% bacteria, 27.5% viruses), 26.5% non-intestinal infections. The asymptomatic carriers were 11.5% for bacteria and 27.4% for viruses. In regard to epidemiology, the housing hygiene, the potable water supply and the presence of suitable water closet were over 90%. On the contrary, the individual hygiene was neglected, especially the hand washing. The pathogens are transmitted by the dirty hands of asymptomatic carriers. Mass media campaigns and health education of parents and children are the recommended prophylactic measures.