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Rotavirus
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionRotavirus is an infection of the stomach and intestines. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.
CausesThis problem is caused by a specific type of virus. It spreads through the stool of someone with the infection. The infected stool can pass the virus to hands, surfaces, objects, food, or water. The virus then enters the body when any of these infected items come in contact with the mouth. Risk FactorsThis problem is more common in children who are 4 months to 2 years of age. Children in childcare settings are at higher risk. SymptomsProblems vary from person to person and may be mild to severe. Problems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. A stool sample may be taken to identify the virus. TreatmentMost people get better on their own in 3 to 8 days. The goal is to manage symptoms and promote healing. Choices are:
PreventionThere is a vaccine to prevent rotavirus in babies. It is given as 2 or 3 doses between the ages of 2 to 6 months. The risk of viral infection may also be lowered by:
RESOURCES:US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov US Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Bányai K, Estes MK, et al. Viral gastroenteritis. Lancet. 2018 Jul 14;392(10142):175-186. Rotavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 8, 2021. Rotavirus. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 8, 2021.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rotavirus-gastroenteritis. Accessed March 8, 2021.
Rotavirus vaccine live. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/drug-monograph/rotavirus-vaccine-live. Accessed March 8, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 3/8/2021 | |