Rotavirus – Symptoms and Causes
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
The virus is spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning that it is transmitted by contact with an infected person’s stool. This can happen through contaminated hands, objects, or surfaces, as well as through consuming contaminated food or water.
After exposure, symptoms usually appear within two days. The most common symptoms of rotavirus infection include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.
In addition to these symptoms, some children may also experience dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.
While rotavirus can affect people of all ages, it is most severe in infants and young children. This is because they are more likely to become dehydrated and need hospitalization as a result of the infection.
Fortunately, rotavirus vaccines are available and have been shown to be highly effective at preventing severe rotavirus disease. Vaccination is recommended for all infants, and the first dose is usually given at two months of age.
Prevention Strategies
Rotavirus spreads easily, making prevention challenging.
Thorough handwashing, especially after bathroom use or diaper changes, helps reduce transmission but doesn’t guarantee protection.
Interestingly, common alcohol-based hand sanitizers aren’t very effective against rotavirus.
Vaccination remains the strongest defense against rotavirus.
Health authorities worldwide recommend rotavirus vaccines for infants. Two main options exist:
RotaTeq:
- Oral vaccine
- Three-dose schedule (typically at 2, 4, and 6 months)
- Not approved for older children or adults
Rotarix:
- Liquid oral vaccine
- Two-dose schedule (at 2 and 4 months)
These vaccines save thousands of children from rotavirus infections annually. Research confirms they are both safe and effective for most infants.
However, parents should be aware of a rare but serious side effect. The vaccines may slightly increase the risk of intussusception—a condition where part of the intestine folds into itself, potentially causing dangerous blockage.
Children with a history of intussusception should not receive rotavirus vaccines.
For most children without this history, the risk is extremely small, and the protective benefits far outweigh this potential risk. Still, parents should monitor their children after vaccination.
Contact a doctor immediately if your child shows these symptoms after vaccination:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Changes in bowel movements
With proper prevention strategies, including vaccination and good hygiene practices, rotavirus infections can be significantly reduced.
