Rotavirus Infection

What is a rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus is a type of virus (germ) that infects the small intestine. The small intestine is part of the digestive system, where food is broken down and absorbed into the body. When rotavirus enters the small intestine, it makes it hard for the body to absorb water and nutrients from food. Rotavirus damages cells in the small intestine and causes swelling, leading to diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements). Rotavirus can infect people of all ages, but the first infection most often occurs before age five.

How is a rotavirus infection spread?

Large amounts of rotavirus are found in the bowel movements (BMs) of an infected person. The virus spreads when the germs from an infected person's BM get into the mouth of another person. Rotavirus may spread if infected people do not wash their hands after having BMs. Rotavirus also spreads when people do not wash their hands after changing an infected baby's diaper. Rotavirus may remain on objects, such as toilets, clothes, or toys, for many days. Touching an object or a person's hand that was in contact with infected BM can spread the rotavirus infection. The infection may spread by drinking water or eating food that has been exposed to rotavirus. Coughing infected saliva (spit) onto another person may also spread the infection.

Who is at higher risk of getting a rotavirus infection?

• Babies and young children, ages three months to two years old. Children in daycare may have an even higher risk.
  
  
• People who care for children. Caregivers are at risk for catching rotavirus and passing it to others.
  
  
• People who travel often.
  
  
• People with weak immune systems (the body's defense against infection). This includes people who have cancer, HIV, or organ or bone marrow transplants.
  
  
• Workers and patients in hospitals or nursing homes.

What are the signs and symptoms of a rotavirus infection?

Symptoms are often the most severe (serious) with the first rotavirus infection. Repeat infections may happen at any age, and often cause milder symptoms than first infections. Symptoms may begin within 1 to 3 days after becoming infected with rotavirus. The rotavirus infection can be spread two days before symptoms start, and up to 10 days after. Symptoms normally last from 3 to 8 days and may include the following:

• Fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Diarrhea that comes in bursts, at least three, and up to 20 times a day. Diarrhea may begin 1 to 2 days after a fever and vomiting.
  
  
• Feeling very tired.
  
  
• Headaches.
  
  
• Irritability (easily bothered or angered).
  
  
• Stomach cramps and pain, and an upset stomach.

How is a rotavirus infection diagnosed?

Your child's caregiver will do a physical exam and ask about your child's signs and symptoms. Tell your child's caregiver how much, and how often, your child urinates. Tell your child's caregiver how much, and how often, your child is drinking liquids and eating. If your child has diarrhea, tell the caregiver when it started and how often it occurs. Also tell your child's caregiver how large the BMs are. Your child's caregiver may check your child's skin for signs of dehydration (loss of body fluids). A sample of your child's BM may be sent to a lab to test for rotavirus.

How is a rotavirus infection treated?

A rotavirus infection may go away on its own without treatment. Your child will need treatment for rotavirus if he is dehydrated, or at risk for dehydration. Dehydration can occur if your child has diarrhea and vomiting and cannot take in enough liquids or food. Treatment may include the following:

• Drinking liquids: Babies who are breastfeeding or drinking formula should keep doing so. Ask your child's caregiver how much liquid your child should drink each day. Avoid giving your child only plain water and drinks high in sugar, such as fruit juices and soft drinks. Ask your child's caregiver what liquids are best for your child.
  
  
• Eating a regular diet: Feed your child his regular diet as soon as possible to help your child get better faster. Your child should eat foods, such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, to help give him energy. Feed your child small meals, more often. Avoid giving your child foods high in sugar.
  
  
• Oral rehydration solution: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is liquid containing water, salts, and sugar. ORS can be given at home to replace lost body fluids when your child is mildly dehydrated. Use a spoon or syringe to measure how much ORS you give your child each time. Your child's caregiver may have you increase the ORS amount until your child is drinking on his own. Ask your child's caregiver how much ORS to give your child.
  
  
• Nasogastric tube or intravenous therapy: If your child cannot drink liquid, he may be given liquid through a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube is put in through the nose and down into the stomach. Your child may also need liquids given through an intravenous (IV) tube if he is very dehydrated. An IV is a tube placed in a vein (blood vessel) to give your child liquids. IV liquids help replace lost body fluids faster than drinking. Your child may get NG or IV fluids in the hospital.

What are the risks of a rotavirus infection?

If your child gets too much ORS, he may vomit more and get mouth sores. Too much liquid can also cause your child's eyelids, hands, and feet to swell. Without treatment, your child's symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, may get worse. Your child may become very dehydrated. Dehydration can cause your child to lose needed salts and minerals from his body. Your child may become very ill and could die. Rarely, a rotavirus infection may spread to other areas in the body, such as the blood, kidneys, or brain. Talk with your child's caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment, care, or condition.

How can I help prevent a rotavirus infection?

• Get your baby vaccinated: The rotavirus vaccine helps protect your baby from getting the rotavirus infection. The rotavirus vaccine is a liquid that your baby can drink. The vaccine may also help decrease your baby's symptoms if he gets a rotavirus infection. The rotavirus vaccine is usually given at two months, four months, and six months of age. The vaccine may be given as early as six weeks of age. The vaccine cannot be given once your baby is eight months old, or older. Ask your baby's caregiver for more information about rotavirus vaccine, and if your baby should get it.
  
  
• Clean items that may be infected: Use chlorine-based disinfectants (germ-killers) to clean surfaces, such as toilets. Also clean your child's toys and other shared items in your home.
  
  
• Keep your infected child out of school or daycare: Keep your child home and away from others for as long as your child's caregiver says you should. Returning to school or daycare with a rotavirus infection may spread the virus to others.
  
  
• Make sure you and your child wash your hands: You and your child should wash your hands often with soap and water. You may also use alcohol-based gels to clean your hands. Wash your hands after changing your child's diaper or helping your child in the bathroom. Wash your hands after touching items used by your child while he is sick. Also wash your hands before preparing or serving food.

Where can I find more information?

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  1600 Clifton Road
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
  

When should I call my child's caregiver?

Call your child's caregiver if:

• Your child has a dry, sticky mouth, cries without tears, or has sunken-looking eyes. If your child is a baby, the soft spot on his head may be sunken.
  
  
• Your child has a fever that is not going away or is getting worse.
  
  
• You child has blood in his BMs.
  
  
• Your child has stomach pain, and is having watery diarrhea more often than before.
  
  
• Your child is drinking less liquid than usual, or is very thirsty and can't get enough to drink.
  
  
• Your child is losing weight.
  
  
• Your child urinates less than usual or your baby has less than six wet diapers in one day. Your child's urine may look dark yellow or brown in color.
  
  
• Your child's eyelids are puffy and swollen, and his face is red.

When should I seek immediate help for my child?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child does not respond to you at all.
  
  
• Your child is confused, is more sleepy than usual, or your child's body seems floppy and weak.
  
  
• Your child is having trouble breathing or his heartbeat is faster than usual.
  
  
• Your child is seeing things that are not there.
  
  
• Your child cannot, or will not, drink at all.
  
  
• Your child cannot stop vomiting.
  
  
• Your child's hands and feet suddenly become cold.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Rotavirus Infection