Some persons maybe at higher risks depending on the organism, its mode of spread, and occupation, e.g. personnel at day care centers. Those on chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow recipients, persons with HIV or AIDS, are also at increased risk. Many people have no symptoms but can pass the disease on when they do not wash their hands after changing diapers or using the toilet. Human symptoms for water-borne illnesses range from fever and malaise to the better known gastro intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and stomachaches. Loss of weight and fatigue may accompany several of the viral illnesses.
Symptoms are more severe for people with weakened immune systems and can lead to death.
For most gastroenteritis is a self-limited disease of few days duration. The main risks are of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Maintaining a good hydration is the most important thing in gastroenteritis. There is generally treatment available for bacterial and protozoal infections but for viral its more symptomatic relief. For bacterial infection anti bacterial drugs can be given and for protozoal infections anti-protozoal drugs can be given.