What Is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes severe diarrhea in children, particularly in youngsters under age 2. It causes up to 10 percent of all cases of diarrhea in children under age 5. The infection is dangerous for young children because it causes them to lose body fluids very quickly, says the CDC. Fortunately, a vaccine is now available to help protect children against rotavirus.
Infection
Rotavirus is very contagious, in part because the virus lasts a long time outside the body. The virus is found in the stool of an infected person before, during and after the time the person has diarrhea. So, a person can pass on the virus even when he or she has no symptoms. Children can become infected by touching an object contaminated with the stool of an infected person. This can occur if children forget to wash their hands after using the bathroom or before eating. Parent and caregivers also can pass on the virus if they don't wash their hands after changing diapers.
Three different strains of rotavirus are common in the United States, the FDA says. A child can get a rotavirus infection each time he or she encounters a new strain of the virus.
Who's at risk?
Infants and young children are at highest risk for infection from rotavirus, the CDC says. By the time children reach age 5, nearly all of them have had at least one rotavirus infection. The risk for severe diarrhea and dehydration is greatest in children ages 3 months to 35 months.
Although teens and adults can get a rotavirus infection, their symptoms are usually mild.
Rotavirus infection is most common during the winter, with peak months November through April.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear two to three days after a child is infected, the CDC says. The early symptoms are fever, an upset stomach and vomiting. Other possible symptoms are a cough and runny nose. These symptoms are followed by abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea can be mild to severe, and can last three to nine days. The danger of severe diarrhea in children under 3 is dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated.
Symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration:
Symptoms of severe dehydration:
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your child's health care provider right away.
Prevention
Two brands of vaccine are available to protect against rotavirus. Depending on the brand, the vaccine is given in two or three doses, at 2, 4, and, if needed, 6 months of age. According to CDC recommendations, the first dose should be given by 14 weeks, 6 days, and the last dose by 8 months of age.
Avoiding infection
It is nearly impossible to avoid the rotavirus because it is so contagious. You can help protect your children by encouraging them to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Wash your own hands thoroughly, as well.
Here are hand-tips from the CDC:
-
Use warm water, and make sure it's not too hot for your children.
-
Use soap -- any kind will do. Lather for 10 to 15 seconds, getting the soap between fingers, under nails and on the wrists.
-
Rinse hands and dry them well with a clean towel.
Treatment
Rotavirus is a viral infection, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. The diarrhea must be closely monitored, however, because in young children it can cause dehydration, the CDC says. Call your child's health care provider right away if you think your child is dehydrated.
A child who has mild diarrhea can continue to eat normally, but you should give him or her extra fluids. Water is a good choice. Don't give fruit juices or soft drinks, because they can make the diarrhea worse.
Your doctor may recommend an oral rehydration solution if your child is mild to moderately dehydrated. This solution usually is given for several hours, or until the child no longer feels thirsty and is urinating normally. The child then can then return to normal eating.
If you are breastfeeding your child, continue to do so throughout the illness.
If your child is vomiting, offer smaller amounts of food more frequently. Don't give medication for vomiting or diarrhea unless your health care provider recommends it. Imodium should not be given to children under 2 years of age, the FDA says.
Using rehydration solution
If you use a commercially made product, look for a true rehydration solution. Don't use sports drinks for young children because these contain too much sugar and not enough electrolytes.
Check with your health care provider for the recommended dose for your child. The amount depends on how much your child weighs and how dehydrated he or she is. Here is a typical guide for the amount of solution needed for four to six hours for a person who is mildly dehydrated:
-
Weight up to 11 pounds: 200 to 400 ml
-
11 to 22 pounds: 400 to 600 ml
-
22 to 33 pounds: 600 to 800 ml
-
33 to 44 pounds: 800 to 1,000 ml
-
44 to 66 pounds: 1,000 to 1,500 ml
-
66 to 88 pounds: 1,500 to 2,000 ml
-
88 pounds and greater: 2,000 to 4,000 ml