Signs of Rotavirus
Rotavirus can affect both infants and adults, causing mild to severe symptoms. This virus is the No.1 cause of severe diarrhea in small children, with an estimated 55,000 American children hospitalized annually due to infection. A more staggering estimation of 600,000 children a year die from rotavirus infection throughout the world. In the following article, rotavirus symptoms and treatment will be discussed.
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Transmission
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Rotavirus is transmitted mainly through fecal-oral contamination. In basic terms, that means when a human ingests fecal matter either from other humans or animals. This could come in the form of contaminated water, improper handwashing after defecating, fecal contact with food or inadequate sewage treatment. Rotavirus can also be transmitted through the air if an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus is most prevalent during the winter months in the United States, primarily November through April.
Infantile Symptoms
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Almost all infants and young children will be infected with rotavirus by the time they are 2 or 3 years old. Rotavirus infection is characterized by severe, watery and sometimes bloody diarrhea that can last anywhere from three to eight days. Other symptoms include frequent vomiting, fatigue and a very high temperature (102 degrees Fahrenheit or more). Because of the diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration can occur. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, very few tears, fatigue and infrequent urination. In serious cases, infants and young children can die from rotavirus infection, mostly due to the dehydration that it causes.
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Adult Symptoms
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Although not as common as infantile infection, adults can become infected with rotavirus as well. However, symptoms are usually not as severe as compared with those of a child infected with rotavirus. Possible signs of rotavirus infection in adults include bloody vomit and bowel movements, inability to keep liquids down, a fever of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit and dehydration. Effects of dehydration in adults include dizziness, weakness and extreme thirst.
Treatment
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Because rotavirus is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. With a typical rotavirus infection, symptoms will clear up on their own between three and eight days. However, during that time dehydration is the most important thing to treat due to the serious symptoms it causes, especially in infants. A good way to treat dehydration in young children is by giving them a rehydration drink such as Pedialyte. This will not only keep the child hydrated, but also restore important nutrients to his system. In some cases, hospitalization, where IV fluids will be given, may be required.
Prevention
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In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced a rotavirus vaccine that has helped to prevent thousands of rotavirus infections in children. The vaccine used in the United States, RotaTeq, has helped prevent approximately 74 percent of all rotavirus infections. About 98 percent of severe infections will also be avoided. The vaccine is administered orally to infants at three stages; at 2, 4 and 6 months old. Another form of prevention is personal hygiene. Hands should always be washed after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
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