Rotavirus

Definition

Rotavirus is an infection of the stomach and intestines. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

Rotavirus can easily pass from person to person.

Digestive Tract

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Causes

A rotavirus infection is caused by a specific type of virus.

The virus is passed through the stool of someone with rotavirus. The infected stool can pass the virus to hands, surfaces, objects, food, or water. The virus then enters the body when any of these infected items come in contact with the mouth.

Risk Factors

People with the highest chance of rotavirus include:

• Infants and young children
• Children who attend daycare or any public childcare setting
• Adults who care for young children, especially children who wear diapers
• Children or adults with household members who have the virus

Symptoms

Symptoms of rotavirus may vary from person to person but may include:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

These symptoms can range from mild to severe. They often last about 3 to 8 days.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The infection may be diagnosed based on your symptoms. A stool sample may be taken. The sample will be examined for the presence of the virus.

Treatment

There is no treatment for rotavirus itself. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

Some treatments may be needed for symptoms caused by the infection. For example, dehydration may need to be treated with:

• Rehydration fluids—such as an oral rehydration solution for children
• IV fluids—if dehydration is severe

For children, the doctor may advise probiotics. Probiotics may help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea symptoms.

Prevention

Good hygiene is the best way to help reduce the spread of rotavirus. This includes taking the following steps:

• Wash your hands often.
• If someone in your house has rotavirus, encourage everyone to wash their hands more often.
• Always wash your hands:
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing a baby's diaper or helping a child use the toilet
  • Before handling or preparing food

There is a vaccine to prevent rotavirus in babies. Your baby may need two or three doses between the ages of 2-6 months.