RAIPUR: Diarrhoea is a disease caused by the consumption of contaminated water, which can take a serious form due to slight negligence. It can lead to death, said Dr Subhash Mishra, Director Epidemic.

He said it can be dangerous in young children as it is the leading cause of death among children from birth to five years of age in India.

He adds, the main symptoms are frequent bowel movements, very thin stools, pain and discomfort in the entire lower part of the patient's abdomen in acute conditions. As the disease progresses, intestinal cramps or severe pain in the lower abdomen also starts.

If not controlled quickly, it can lead to dehydration. It is normal to have fever in such a situation and weakness. If there is excessive deficiency of minerals along with water in the body, then the patient can go into a state of unconsciousness and the condition can be fatal.

According to the World Health Organization, if there is a large amount of watery bowel movement more than three times a day, then it is a symptom of diarrhoea. It usually gets better within three to seven days.

According to medical science, three types of viruses especially spread diarrhoea infection. 'Noro-virus' and 'rota-virus' infect children below five years of age. They can also make adults their prey. 'Adeno-virus' can cause diarrhoea for a person of any age.