How to Diagnose Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus in the intestinal tract that few parents ever forget. Most children in the U.S. get it by age 2 while the child is still in diapers, which makes it a memorable illness. The symptoms are severe diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration in babies is the main concern. Approximately 55,000 children are hospitalized from rotavirus in the U.S. annually. The symptoms can persist for 5 days or more.

Instructions

1. Suspect rotavirus if your child develops symptoms in the winter and early spring. Rotavirus is spread through contact with the stools. It can spread rapidly, especially in a day care.

2. Expect symptoms to appear 1 to 2 days after exposure. Vomiting is often the first symptom, followed by a fever and watery diarrhea. Don't be surprised if the amount of diarrhea seems impossible for a baby or child so small.

3. Track the episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. This is important information for your doctor to know when making a diagnosis. Severe diarrhea typically lasts at least 4 days, but a milder case can continue for weeks.

4. Take your child to the doctor who can test a stool sample to confirm rotavirus.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor about giving a toddler rehydration drinks, such as Pedialyte. After a few days of diarrhea and vomiting, replacing nutrients and electrolytes helps to prevent dehydration. Gatorade and other sport drinks do not have the proper balance of nutrients and electrolytes for small children.

• Call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately if you suspect dehydration. Signs of dehydration include no wet diaper for more than 12 hours, dry mouth and crying without tears.

• Don't stop feeding a baby breast milk or formula, or your baby may quickly become dehydrated.