The rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute gastroenteritis, consisting of both vomiting and diarrhea, throughout the entire world, suggests the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with most children experiencing at least one encounter with the virus before the age of 3. This virus infects the digestive tract, causing temporary but serious symptoms that can be especially dangerous for infants.
Causes
Rotavirus can spread in three main ways: through infected water; through infected droplets coughed or sneezed into the air; and through toughing infected objects or substances and then placing your hands to your mouth. With infants constantly touching objects and people, and sticking their hands in the mouth, it's easy to see how rotavirus can quickly spread.
Signs and Symptoms
It can take several days for symptoms to appear with rotavirus, even though an infected individual can still pass on the virus even before displaying symptoms. The virus continues to spread for as long as 10 days after the symptoms subside, as well. The most noticeable sign of a rotavirus infection is severe diarrhea lasting three to eight days, which can sometimes contain blood. Temperatures can also rise to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. In severe cases, rotavirus may be accompanied by vomiting, further increasing risks for dehydration.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for a rotavirus infection, and because the infection comes from a virus, antibiotics have no effect. Instead, the focus of treatment is on keeping the infant hydrated. The diarrhea caused by the virus can quickly and severely drain fluids from an infant due to the small size of the body. If the infant is too young to drink mineral rehydration fluids like Pedialyte, then he may need to be hooked up to intravenous fluids at a hospital to prevent severe side effects, including death, from dehydration.
Prevention
Rotavirus can be prevented by taking a few important precautions. First, there are two vaccines available on the market to help protect your child from the virus. The RotaTeq vaccine is provided in three doses starting at two months of age, but has been associated with an increased risk for intussusception in the past --- although both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the CDC suggest that there is not an increased risk. The second vaccine is Rotarix, which is also given starting at two months but in two doses, and has no increased risk of intussusception. Washing your hands after using the toilet or after changing your child's diaper can also help reduce the spread of the virus.
