If the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea cannot be replaced, dehydration can be severe. Death may even occur. This is a common occurrence in developing nations. Occasionally, a condition known as the hemolytic uremic syndrome may occur after an infection. This condition may cause kidney damage.
Most people recover within a few days and have no long-term effects.
Cases due to an infection are often contagious. Other causes pose little risk to others. The main treatment of this condition is fluid replacement. If a person is able to keep liquids down, he or she simply needs to take in extra fluids. However, a person may vomit repeatedly, making it impossible to keep anything down.