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Rotavirus is a contagious viral infection that mainly affects infants and young children, causing vomiting, watery diarrhoea and fever. In some cases, the illness can lead to severe dehydration. If treatment is not provided in time, hospitalisation may be necessary.
Rotavirus is especially dangerous for children, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Operative Information Center-OMM reports. Adults can also contract the virus, but their illness is often milder.
What is rotavirus and how does it spread?
Rotavirus is a virus that affects the digestive system and causes acute gastroenteritis. The infection spreads mainly through contaminated hands, surfaces, objects, food and water.
The virus can spread into the environment through an infected person’s stool. Not washing hands properly, or touching the mouth after handling contaminated toys or other objects, increases the risk of infection. As a result, the virus can spread easily in day-care centres, families and other settings where children are in close contact.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
Symptoms of rotavirus infection usually begin about two days after exposure. The main symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhoea;
- Vomiting;
- Fever;
- Abdominal pain;
- Reduced appetite;
- Weakness.
Vomiting and diarrhoea can usually last three to eight days. One of the main dangers of the illness is the rapid loss of large amounts of fluid. This can have more serious consequences, especially for infants and young children.
Which symptoms are dangerous?
During a rotavirus infection, parents should closely monitor a child’s general condition and fluid intake. The following signs may indicate dehydration:
- Reduced urination;
- Dry mouth and throat;
- Few or no tears when crying;
- Unusual sleepiness and weakness;
- Severe dizziness or a worsening general condition.
Urgent medical attention is needed if a child cannot take fluids, vomits persistently, has blood in the stool or develops signs of severe dehydration. These symptoms can worsen unexpectedly in infants.
How is rotavirus treated?
There is no specific treatment that directly eliminates rotavirus. Treatment is aimed at replacing lost fluids and electrolytes and preventing dehydration.
In mild cases, oral rehydration solutions may be used in line with a doctor’s advice. Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in hospital.
Antibiotics do not treat rotavirus infection because they do not work against viruses. Children should not be given antibiotics or anti-diarrhoea medicines without a doctor’s advice.
How can rotavirus be prevented?
Following good hygiene practices is important in preventing rotavirus. However, because the virus is highly contagious, handwashing alone does not eliminate the risk of infection.
The following precautions are recommended:
- Wash hands regularly with soap, especially after using the toilet and changing a child’s nappy;
- Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly and ensure food and drinking water are clean;
- Keep toys and frequently touched surfaces clean;
- Limit close contact with an infected person;
- Consult a paediatrician about vaccinating infants.
The World Health Organization recommends including rotavirus vaccines in national immunisation programmes. Vaccination is effective in reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. The number and timing of doses depend on the vaccine and current medical recommendations. Parents should therefore discuss vaccination with a paediatrician.
Note: Rotavirus infection can occur more than once. Previous infection or vaccination does not provide complete protection against future infection. When young children have vomiting and diarrhoea, the priority is to prevent fluid loss and seek medical attention promptly if dangerous symptoms develop.
