cause · Public research summary
Diarrhoeal diseases: risks, context and evidence
Contaminated food or water, inadequate sanitation, undernutrition, impaired immunity and lack of timely treatment.
Educational only. Associations do not establish individual risk or diagnosis. Read the original sources and limitations.
Global mortality context
Rank 10 in WHO GHE 2023; estimated deaths: 1,248,112. Data year, not the current year's count. Global · all ages · both sexes.
Risk context
Contaminated food or water, inadequate sanitation, undernutrition, impaired immunity and lack of timely treatment.
Signs that can occur
Frequent loose stools, with dehydration in severe illness; inability to drink or marked lethargy are concerning signs.
What supports health
Safe water, sanitation, handwashing, nutrition, appropriate vaccination and prompt rehydration and care support survival.
Limits
Population mortality is not prevalence or a personal prognosis. Risks and symptoms do not establish a diagnosis. Seek professional care for health concerns.