Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea (Read about "Diarrhea"), often with vomiting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children in the United States. Worldwide, rotavirus is a major cause of childhood deaths.

Rotavirus causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. (Read about "Gastroenteritis") Beginning symptoms include:

• fever
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal cramps or pain

The diarrhea can range from mild to severe and generally will last 3 to 9 days. Severe diarrhea and dehydration occur primarily among children 3 months to three years of age. Most cases of rotavirus diarrhea occur between November and May.

According to CDC, for persons with healthy immune systems (Read about "The Immune System"), rotavirus gastroenteritis is a self-limited illness, lasting for only a few days. However, a big danger for anyone with a serious case of diarrhea, especially children and seniors, is dehydration. (Read about "Dehydration") This happens if the body loses more fluids and salts (electrolytes) than it takes in. Signs of dehydration include a decrease in urine production (Read about "The Urinary System"), extreme thirst, dry mouth and unusual drowsiness. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. CDC says special oral rehydration fluids can be purchased at drugstores, and can be used according to the package directions. You should ask your pediatrician what's best in your child's case. If you have any concerns about dehydration, contact your doctor at once. It's also important to call your doctor if there is fever, abdominal pain or prolonged vomiting. CDC says about one in 40 children with rotavirus gastroenteritis will require hospitalization for intravenous fluids.

Unfortunately, CDC says rotavirus illness is very easy to catch. Children can spread the virus even before they show any symptoms, usually through contaminated hands or objects. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rotaviruses are transmitted by fecal-oral contamination. Person-to-person spread through contaminated hands is probably the culprit in day care centers. In addition, infected food handlers may contaminate foods that require handling and no further cooking, such as salads, fruits and hors d'oeuvres. Washing with soaps or cleansers will not kill the virus, but will help reduce the spread of rotavirus. (Read about "Food Safety")

There is a vaccine for rotavirus. (Read about "Immunizations") You should discuss it with your healthcare provider.

It is also a good idea to develop (and help children develop) habits that can reduce the risk of infections like rotavirus. The following are suggestions from CDC and the International Food Information Council:

• Wash hands carefully and often. Adults should wash their hands after using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet, diapering a child and before preparing, serving or eating food. Children should wash their hands after using the toilet, after having their diapers changed (an adult should wash infant's or small child's hands) and before eating snacks or meals.
• Disinfect toys, bathrooms and food preparation surfaces frequently, especially if a sick child has been in the home.
• Use diapers with waterproof outer covers that can contain liquid stool or urine or use plastic pants and make sure that children wear clothes over diapers.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. (Read about "Food Safety")

Although you can't guarantee you or your family will never get a rotavirus infection, you can at least help reduce your risk.

Related Information:

    Microorganisms

    Digestive System