Rotavirus: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

What it is:

Rotavirus is a viral infection that sends approximately 500,000 children to the hospital in the United States each year according to the National Center For Infectious diseases. The virus causes severe diarrhea (watery stools), which can quickly dehydrate a young child. Vomiting is another symptom of Rotavirus.

Signs to watch for:

Less frequent urination
Dry mouth and tongue
Sunken eyes

If your child exhibits and of these signs, especially while having diarrhea and vomiting, please have your child seen by a pediatrician as soon as possible. These signs are signals that you child may be in danger. Dehydration is important to control. Giving your child electrolyte solutions to drink like Pedialyte or ReVital Oral Electrolytes Liquid Squeezers, or the popular mini-cups of gelatin will help to correct the imbalance of electrolytes that occurs with severe diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea and vomiting can last anywhere from 3 to 8 days and may be accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. There is a 2 day contagious period. Once a child has had Rotavirus, they can get the virus again, but with less severity.

Transmission:

The Rotavirus is transmitted by fecal-oral transmissions and also by congestion of contaminated food or water. Rotavirus is highly contagious. This virus tends to be seen in infants and young children with a higher rate of occurrence than older children and adults, who may also come down with the symptoms of Rotavirus but the symptoms will usually be less severe. The virus is usually seen in the cooler months in the United States, usually starting in October and sometimes lasting through early spring.

Diagnosis:

A doctor will take a stool specimen to examine for the presence of the virus.

Treatment: