Rotavirus
About rotavirus
Almost all children have a rotavirus infection by the time they are as was 5 years old. Rotavirus is the most common
Causes of diarrhea and severe infection (rotavirus gastroenteritis) is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhea
in infants and young children.
Rotavirus infections are responsible for approximately 3 million cases of diarrhea and 55,000 hospitalizations for
Diarrhea and dehydration in children under 5 each year in the United States.
Although these infections cause relatively few U.S. deaths caused by rotavirus diarrhea caused more than half a million
Deaths worldwide per year. This does not, especially in the developing countries, where nutrition and health care
optimally.
Signs and symptoms
Children with a rotavirus infection, fever, nausea and vomiting, often followed by abdominal cramps and frequent, watery
Diarrhea. Children may also have a cough and runny nose. As with all viruses, though, because few or rotavirus infections
no symptoms, especially in adults.
Sometimes the diarrhea that accompanies a rotavirus infection is so severe that it quickly lead to dehydration. Signs
of dehydration include thirst, irritability, restlessness, lethargy, sunken eyes, a dry mouth and tongue, dry skin,
fewer trips to the bathroom to urinate, and (in infants) a dry diaper for several hours.
Contagiousness
In the United States, rotavirus infection outbreaks during the winter and spring months are common. It is in particular a
Problem in day care centers and children's hospitals because rotavirus infection is very contagious.
The virus enters the stool of infected people before and after they have symptoms of the disease. Children can
become infected if they. their fingers in their mouths after touching something that has been contaminated Usually this is
happens when children do not wash their hands often, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
People who for children, including health care and kindergarten teachers, no matter can also spread the virus, especially if
do not wash their hands after changing diapers.
Prevention
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends a rotavirus vaccine in the preparation of routine be included
Given vaccinations for all children.
The vaccine RotaTeq has prevent about 75% of cases of rotavirus infection and 98% of severe cases.
Another vaccine, Rotarix, and is also effective in preventing rotavirus infection. Your doctor will
Current information about these vaccines.
A previous rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn from the market in 1999 because it was linked to an increased risk for
Intussusception, a type of bowel obstruction, in young infants. Neither RotaTeq, Rotarix found to have the
increased risk.
Frequent hand washing is the best tool to limit the spread of rotavirus infection. Children who are infected should stay home
Childcare groups until their diarrhea has ended. In hospitals, rotavirus outbreaks are controlled by isolating
infected patients and following strict hand-washing procedures.
Professional treatment
An infant or young child is moderately or severely dehydrated may be treated in a hospital with intravenous
(IV) fluids to bring the body's fluid and salt levels back to normal. Most older children can be treated at home.
Your doctor may need your child's blood, urine or stool should test to confirm that the diarrhea is caused by
Rotavirus and not by bacteria. Because antibiotics are not against diseases caused by viruses work, the doctor will not
Prescribe antibiotics to treat a rotavirus infection.
Home Treatment
To prevent dehydration, follow your doctor's advice about what your child is eating and drinking. Your doctor may suggest
that your child special drinks to replace body fluids, especially if the diarrhea has lasted longer
than 2 or 3 days.
In general, children should continue to eat normally with mild diarrhea who are not dehydrated, but should receive more
Liquids. (Fruit juices and soft drinks may include diarrhea worse and should be avoided.) Those who have mild to moderate
Dehydration should be corrected to an oral rehydration solution in small, often is the dehydration and then
should eat back to normal. Children who are breastfed should be breastfed while.
A child who is vomiting should eat smaller amounts more often. Follow your doctor's advice and avoid that
Your child medicines for diarrhea or vomiting store-bought, unless your doctor recommends it.
When to call the doctor
Call the doctor for advice if your child has signs of rotavirus infection, including watery diarrhea, fever, nausea,
and vomiting. Call immediately if your child has signs of dehydration.