It’s a common infection that might look like a routine childhood sickness. Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus was first discovered in 1973 in children suffering from gastroenteritis samples. Before a vaccine was created, rotavirus was the highest cause of severe diarrhea in babies and young children in the United States.
Transmission
The virus sheds in an infected person’s stool and is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated hands or objects, such as toys, surfaces, or utensils. It can also spread by consuming contaminated food or water or close contact with an infected person. This is easy to spread to children as they can forget to wash their hands.
Symptoms of Rotavirus
The symptoms of rotavirus infection typically begin within two days of exposure to the virus and can last for 3–8 days. Common symptoms include:
● Severe watery diarrhea
● Vomiting
● Fever
● Abdominal pain
● Dehydration (which can be severe and life-threatening, especially in young children)
Most children recover from rotavirus without long-term health effects, with symptoms typically lasting about a week. However, if dehydration occurs, it can lead to serious complications, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately if your child shows symptoms.
Prevention of Rotavirus
A series of vaccines weren’t officially developed until the early 2000s. These vaccines are given orally and recommended for infants at two months of age. The vaccination schedule typically includes two to three doses, depending on the vaccine used.
The rotavirus vaccine is determined to be highly effective. During the first year of life, it provides 85% to 98% protection against severe illness and hospitalization and 74% to 87% against rotavirus illness of any severity. The introduction of these vaccines has led to a significant decrease in the number of severe rotavirus cases and hospitalizations.
As a parent, especially if you’re new to it, your child’s health is your main concern. While rotavirus is one illness that can impact your child, there are several others to be cautious about. It’s important to identify this infection due to its symptoms, which can resemble normal things an infant goes through. Rotavirus can be a serious illness, but you can protect your child from its effects with proper vaccination and preventive measures. By staying informed, practicing good hygiene, and consulting your healthcare provider, you will have no problem identifying any issues.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine: Rotavirus Vaccines: Effectiveness, Safety and Future Directions
