Rotavirus

What is rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a virus that infects the intestinal tract. You can get rotavirus more than once, but the first infection is usually the worst. This infection causes stomach upset and diarrhea.

Babies and very young children who have rotavirus infections need to be watched closely, because they can become dehydrated very quickly. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water more quickly than it is replaced. When your child becomes dehydrated, severe health problems can arise.

Rotavirus infections spread easily. Outbreaks usually occur in the winter and early spring. Rotavirus infections often spread in settings where many children are together, such as day care centers.

Keep your child at home while they are sick and for a few days after they feel better. That's when the virus most likely can be spread to others. The virus can remain in your child's stool for weeks after the symptoms are gone.

How is it spread?

The virus spreads through contact with the stool from an infected child. The virus can spread easily even when people try very hard to keep places clean. For example, when a caregiver changes the messy diaper of a child who has rotavirus infection, germs can get on the changing table, the caregiver's hands, or the hands of the already-infected child. The rotavirus germs can then spread to other children from the caregiver's or child's unwashed hands. It may be only a few steps to the sink, but the germs may get on surfaces that the caregiver or child touches along the way. For example, the germs may get on toys, doorknobs, or sink surfaces. The germs can live for days on objects and surfaces if they are not disinfected right away.

Other children who get the rotavirus germs on their hands can get the infection when they put their hands in their mouths. They can also get infected with rotavirus by chewing on a toy that has the germs on it.

What are the symptoms?

It takes about 1 to 3 days for a child who is exposed to the virus to start having symptoms.

Vomiting is often the first symptom. Usually, a fever and diarrhea follow. Most children with rotavirus have very watery diarrhea that seems like a large amount for a baby or small child. The most severe diarrhea lasts 3 to 8 days. But episodes of diarrhea can last long after your child starts feeling better. In some children, diarrhea can last for a few weeks.

Diarrhea, especially when it occurs along with vomiting, can quickly lead to dehydration in babies and young children who have rotavirus. For this reason, it's important to keep feeding your child and to watch them closely for signs of dehydration.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will probably diagnose your child with rotavirus infection based on your child's symptoms. The time of year also is an important clue. If your child has diarrhea and other symptoms during the winter or early spring (about November through April), your doctor will often suspect rotavirus as the cause.

A test of stool can be done to confirm a diagnosis. This kind of test isn't needed unless your child has other health conditions that make it important to know the exact cause of symptoms.

How is rotavirus treated?

There is no medicine for the virus that causes rotavirus infections. But you can treat the dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Give your child frequent sips of a rehydration drink, such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. If dehydration is severe, your child might need an I.V. Don't give medicines for nausea or vomiting unless your doctor recommends it.

Your doctor may suggest probiotics for your child. They are bacteria that help keep the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines.

How can you prevent it?

It is hard to prevent your child from getting this infection. Studies show that breastfeeding may help prevent rotavirus or reduce its severity.

Rotavirus vaccine helps protect against rotavirus disease. Depending on which brand of vaccine is used, infants need 2 or 3 doses starting at 2 months of age.

To help prevent the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often.