Burden and Trends of Gastroenteritis in Adults in the United States: Insights From CDC WONDER 2018–2023 Surveillance Data

Background Gastroenteritis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among older adults. Despite advances in sanitation and healthcare access, infectious gastroenteritis continues to impact vulnerable populations in the United States (US). This study aimed to assess the burden and temporal trends of gastroenteritis-related mortality among US adults aged 45-84 years over a recent six-year period. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive analysis using mortality data from the CDC WONDER (Wide-ranging ONline Data for Epidemiologic Research) Multiple Cause of Death database for the years 2018 to 2023. Deaths attributed to gastroenteritis of infectious origin were identified using the ICD-10 code A09. Variables extracted included year of death, sex, single-year age, Hispanic origin, population estimates, and crude mortality rates. Analysis was restricted to adults aged 45-84 years, and results were stratified by age group, sex, and year. Descriptive statistics and trend summaries were generated using Stata 18. Results A clear age-related increase in gastroenteritis mortality was observed. Among individuals aged 75-84 years, females had the highest crude mortality rates, rising from 4.54 per 100,000 in 2018 to 5.31 per 100,000 in 2023. Males in the same age group showed relatively stable rates, ranging from 3.66 to 4.41 per 100,000. Females also exhibited higher mortality than males in the 65-74 year group across all years. Data were limited for the 45-64 age group in several years due to suppression or unreliability. Overall, the burden of gastroenteritis mortality remained concentrated among older adults, with notable increases among elderly women. Conclusion Despite overall improvements in public health, gastroenteritis-related mortality remains a persistent concern for aging US populations. The observed sex and age disparities highlight the need for targeted prevention, early intervention, and enhanced infection control strategies, particularly in long-term care settings. Ongoing surveillance is essential to monitor evolving trends and guide resource allocation.