In brief
- Adenoviruses can cause acute gastroenteritis: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain [1].
- According to a review of studies from 2003–2023, adenoviruses are found in about 10% of children with gastroenteritis [2].
- Most often it is species F, types 40 and 41 [2].
- The virus also spreads through stool, for example when changing a diaper [1].
When to see a doctor urgently
The clinical guidelines list signs that mean a child needs to be admitted to the hospital [3]:
- can't or won't drink or breastfeed;
- severe dehydration;
- drowsiness, lethargy or, on the contrary, severe restlessness.
The full list of warning signs is in adenovirus in children.
Symptoms
CDC lists acute gastroenteritis as one of the forms of adenovirus infection: inflammation of the stomach or intestines with diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain [1]. The clinical guidelines on respiratory viral infections in children also note that adenovirus infection can affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea [3].
Which adenoviruses affect the gut
In a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from 2003–2023, adenoviruses were found on average in 10% of children with gastroenteritis. Among hospitalized children the share was higher, 11%; among children aged 5 and under, 9% [2].
The most common was species F (57%), and the most common types were 40/41, 38 and 2 [2]. On the species map on the home page, species F is marked as intestinal.
How it spreads
- through the sick person's stool, for example when changing a diaper [1];
- through close contact and objects, if you then touch your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands [1];
- less often, through water in poorly chlorinated swimming pools and in natural bodies of water [1].
Frequent handwashing is especially important in childcare centers and healthcare facilities [1].
The main danger: dehydration
With vomiting and diarrhea, a child loses fluid. The clinical guidelines advise giving the child special oral rehydration salt solutions, not a glucose solution; the main route is by mouth [3]. Signs of mild dehydration are irritability and thirst [3].
Dehydration raises the risk of side effects from fever reducers [3]. Severe dehydration and refusing to drink are reasons for hospital admission [3].
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for adenovirus infection: the symptoms are treated and lost fluids are replaced [1] [3]. Antibiotics don't work against viruses [3]. More in adenovirus treatment.
“It is also important to follow personal hygiene: don't touch your eyes or face after being in public places, wash your hands often during the day, and do regular damp cleaning at home and at work so dust doesn't build up”
Izvestia (in Russian), May 24, 2023
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of adenovirus in the stomach?
Acute gastroenteritis: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain [1].
Which adenoviruses cause gastroenteritis?
In children with gastroenteritis, species F, types 40/41, are found most often [2].
What should I give my child to drink with vomiting and diarrhea?
Special oral rehydration solutions, not a glucose solution [3].
How does gastrointestinal adenovirus spread?
Among other ways, through the sick person's stool, for example when changing a diaper [1].
Test yourself
10 questions about adenovirus, from the structure of the virus to treatment. You get a result card at the end.
Sources
- CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). About Adenovirus. Updated December 16, 2025. Accessed October 7, 2026.
- BMC Infectious Diseases. Khales P. et al. Human adenoviruses in children with gastroenteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis. 2024. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- Russian Ministry of Health, Union of Pediatricians of Russia. Clinical guidelines “Acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI)”, children, ID 25_3, published in the guidelines database on September 2, 2026 (in Russian). Accessed October 8, 2026.
This article was prepared by our editorial team from official sources and does not replace a doctor’s advice. Found an error? Write to us.