"Rotavirus"

 

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain, especially in infants and young children. It is one of the leading causes of dehydration and severe gastroenteritis in children under five worldwide. Here's an overview of key aspects:

Symptoms

• Watery diarrhea (can last 3–8 days)
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Dehydration signs (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, reduced urination)

Transmission

Rotavirus spreads through:

• Fecal-oral route: Contaminated hands, surfaces, objects, or food/water.
• Close contact: Particularly in childcare settings or among families.

It can survive on surfaces for long periods, making it easy to spread.

Who’s at Risk?

• Infants and toddlers: Especially those not vaccinated.
• Unvaccinated adults: Less common but possible.
• Crowded settings: Daycares, schools, and hospitals.

Prevention

1. Vaccination:
• A highly effective and widely used preventive measure. Two vaccines are available:
• Rotarix (two doses)
• RotaTeq (three doses)
• These are typically given orally to infants starting at 6–15 weeks of age.
2. Handwashing:
• Frequent and thorough washing with soap and water is critical.
3. Sanitation:
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially in childcare settings.

Treatment

There’s no specific antiviral for rotavirus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:

• Rehydration: Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or intravenous fluids in severe cases.
• Probiotics: Sometimes recommended to restore gut health.
• Avoid antibiotics or anti-diarrheal medications unless prescribed by a doctor.

When to Seek Medical Help

• Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
• Severe dehydration symptoms (lethargy, sunken eyes, cold extremities)
• High fever or blood in stool