Understanding Rotavirus
Rotaviruses are members of the Reoviridae family of viruses. Rotavirus is a double-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus. A rotavirus has a characteristic wheel-like appearance when viewed by electron microscopy. The name rotavirus is derived from the Latin word "rota," meaning "wheel" (see Rotavirus Pictures).
There are a number of different strains of rotavirus that cause infections in humans; four strains are common in the United States. Therefore, people can be infected with rotavirus more than once, but usually, the first infection is the most severe, and each subsequent infection causes less severe symptoms of the disease.
What is rotavirus disease?
Rotavirus is a very common contagious viral infection. It is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Nearly all children have been infected with a rotavirus illness at some stage before they are five years of age, and can be re-infected several times during their lives.
Rotavirus is a very common contagious viral infection. It is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. Nearly all children have been infected with a rotavirus illness at some stage before they are five years of age, and can be re-infected several times during their lives.
How does rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus enters the body through the mouth and then infects the lining of the intestine. Rotavirus is spread easily from children who are already infected to other children and sometimes adults. The virus can be easily spread through contaminated hands, objects (toys) or food. Children can spread rotavirus 2 days before and up to 8 days after they become sick with diarrhoea.
Rotavirus enters the body through the mouth and then infects the lining of the intestine. Rotavirus is spread easily from children who are already infected to other children and sometimes adults. The virus can be easily spread through contaminated hands, objects (toys) or food. Children can spread rotavirus 2 days before and up to 8 days after they become sick with diarrhoea.
Ways of preventing the spread of rotavirus disease are:
• Vaccinate infants with the rotavirus vaccine, RotaTeq®, according to the National Immunisation Program guidelines
• Exclude affected child from childcare, preschool, or school until vomiting and diarrhoea has stopped
• Good hand washing
• Keep objects (toys) and areas clean.
How long does it take to show symptoms of rotavirus after being infected?
The incubation period for rotavirus is 1 to 3 days.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus infection?
Symptoms usually start with a temperature, an upset stomach, vomiting followed by diarrhoea, lasting 3 to 7 days. Children may lose interest in eating and drinking and become dehydrated from loss of fluids.
Is there treatment for rotavirus disease?
No,antibiotics are not effective, so give plenty of fluids.
