Rotavirus Infection

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a rotavirus infection? A rotavirus (ro-tah-VEYE-rus) infection affects the small intestine (bowel) and is caused by a virus (germ) called rotavirus. The small intestine is a part of the digestive system where food is broken down. It is the tube that runs from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). The rotavirus enters the small intestines and inflames (swells) its lining. Rotavirus infection usually occurs during the winter months and lasts for 3 to 7 days. It is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and usually affects children from 3 months to 2 years.

How does a rotavirus spread? The stool (bowel movement) of a person with a rotavirus infection contains the rotavirus. A rotavirus may be spread by people not washing their hands after they have had a bowel movement. It may also be spread by not washing the hands after changing a baby's diaper. The virus can be passed from one person to another by simply touching the contaminated (dirty) hand. The virus may also be found on moist surfaces or objects, such as water fountains and toilet handles. Drinking water or eating food that has been exposed to a rotavirus may also spread the disease. The virus enters the body after a contaminated object, like a hand, is put in the mouth.

Who is at a high risk of getting a rotavirus infection?

• People who take care of babies, especially those who change diapers.
  
  
• People who stay in daycare centers, dormitories, nursing homes, luxury cruise ships, or military bases.
  
  
• Campers or hikers who drink water directly from streams, wells, or lakes.
  
  
• People who have weak immune systems. The immune system is the part of your body that fights infection.
  
  
• People who travel a lot and drink water in countries that do not have purified (clean) water.

What are the signs and symptoms of a rotavirus infection? The early symptoms of a rotavirus infection are fever and vomiting (throwing up). This may last for several days. This is usually followed by non-bloody diarrhea (loose, watery stools). Your child may also become dehydrated (lose too much fluid) due to frequent diarrhea or vomiting. Crampy pain in the abdomen (belly), headache, or nausea (upset stomach) are other symptoms.

How is a rotavirus infection diagnosed? A sample of your child's blood or stool is sent to a lab for testing. These stool tests may show what germ is causing the rotavirus illness. This helps caregivers learn what treatment is best for your child.

How is a rotavirus infection treated? The treatment for rotavirus aims to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Antibiotics cannot treat a rotavirus infection. Most people have a strong immune system that may clear the virus from the body. Anti-diarrheal medicines are not advised because they may make the infection last longer. Your child may have any of the following:

• Ask your child's caregiver if you should give your child oral rehydration solution (ORS) to drink. An ORS has the right amounts of water, salts, and sugar your child needs to replace body fluids. This may help prevent dehydration.
  
  
• Intravenous therapy: If your child is dehydrated, he may need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluid. An IV is a tube placed in the vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube is capped or connected to tubing and liquid.

How can a rotavirus infection be prevented?

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash after using the toilet, after diapering a child, and before preparing or serving food. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean your hands when there is no water available.
  
  
• Children should have vaccines (shots) against rotavirus infection.
  
  
• Discard used diapers properly.
  
  
• Drink only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water. Boil drinking water coming from the tap for 10 minutes.
  
  
• Place wet laundry in a plastic bag and use detergents (soap) when washing it.
  
  
• Use alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants (germ killers) when cleaning surfaces. Wear gloves, a mask, or a gown to protect yourself.

Where can I find more information? Having a rotavirus infection may be hard. Contact the following for more information about rotavirus infection:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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