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Rotavirus

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Rotavirus

Definition

Rotavirus is an infection of the stomach and intestines. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children.

Digestive Tract.

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Causes

This 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 Factors

This problem is more common in children who are 4 months to 2 years of age. Children in childcare settings are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Problems vary from person to person and may be mild to severe. Problems may be:

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Belly pain

Diagnosis

The 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.

Treatment

Most people get better on their own in 3 to 8 days. The goal is to manage symptoms and promote healing. Choices are:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids or an oral rehydration solution
  • Medicines, such as:
    • Anti-nausea medicines
    • Nitazoxanide to ease diarrhea in children
  • Probiotics or zinc supplements to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea in children

Prevention

There 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:

  • Practicing proper handwashing, especially after using the toilet or changing a diaper
  • Not touching the mouth
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are infected
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

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: http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/index.html.
  • Rotavirus. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/vaccine-preventable-diseases/Pages/Rotavirus.aspx.
  • Rotavirus gastroenteritis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rotavirus-gastroenteritis.
  • Rotavirus vaccine live. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-monograph/rotavirus-vaccine-live.

Contributors

  • Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.