What is Rotavirus? 🦠
Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, mainly in infants and young children. It’s one of the leading causes of severe gastroenteritis worldwide.
How is Rotavirus Transmitted?
- Spread through the fecal-oral route: contact with contaminated hands, surfaces, objects, or food 💩➡️🤲
- Highly contagious, especially in childcare settings and households
- Can survive on surfaces for a long time
Symptoms
- Severe watery diarrhea 💧💩
- Vomiting 🤮
- Fever 🌡️
- Abdominal pain and irritability
- Dehydration is a common and serious complication, especially in young children
Diagnosis
- Stool tests to detect rotavirus antigen
- Mainly clinical diagnosis based on symptoms in children
Treatment
- No specific antiviral treatment
- Focus on preventing dehydration through oral rehydration solutions (ORS) 💧
- In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous fluids may be necessary
- Maintain nutrition and monitor for complications
Prevention 🛡️
- Rotavirus vaccine is safe and effective, given orally to infants 💉
- Good hand hygiene and sanitation
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces frequently
- Breastfeeding provides some natural protection