What is rotavirus?

Causes and Symptoms

Rotavirus is classified into groups A through G, with group A responsible for gastroenteritis
in children. Adults can also contract the virus but will experience milder symptoms. The virus is very contagious, with oral-fecal transmission occurring through ingestion of contaminated water or food or contact with an infected surface such as a toy or hand. Airborne infection is rare. In temperate climates, the disease occurs more often in the cooler months, from late autumn to early spring, with year-round infection present in tropical climates. Almost all children have been infected more than once by the time they are four years old.

Symptoms are manifested after two days from the initial exposure and include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and fever, with the gastroenteritis lasting from three to ten days. Dehydration may result if fluids are not adequately replenished. Symptoms of severe dehydration include dry mouth, dry skin, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, lethargy, irritability, and reduced or no wet diapers over three hours. A physician should be notified if symptoms of severe dehydration are observed. Because the virus is highly contagious, epidemic outbreaks may be seen in child-care centers.

Treatment and Therapy

Clinical diagnosis is made from detection of the virus antigen in a stool sample. Detection of rotavirus is also possible with an electron microscope or tissue culture. Treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Antidiarrheal medication should not be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Hospitalization may be required for intravenous (IV) fluid rehydration if severe dehydration occurs. Immunity develops after repeat infections, with subsequent infections exhibiting less severe symptoms. The virus may survive on hard surfaces for years. Diligent hand washing and disinfection of surfaces with a diluted bleach solution or 70 percent alcohol may help slow the spread of the virus.

Perspective and Prospects

Rotavirus was discovered in 1973 from intestinal biopsies of children diagnosed with winter vomiting disease. The name is derived from the Latin word rota, which means “wheel.” In February, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a live, oral vaccine for use in children. In 2009, the World Health Organization, which estimates that rotavirus kills about 527,000 people annually, recommended that the vaccine be made a routine part of national immunization programs around the world.

Bibliography

Aronson, Susan S., and Timothy R. Shope, eds. Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005.

Kohnle, Diana. "Rotavirus." Health Library, February 20, 2013.

“Rotavirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 28, 2010.

“Rotavirus.” Mayo Clinic, March 27, 2013.

“Rotavirus.” World Health Organization, October, 2011.

Heymann, David L., ed. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. 19th ed. Washington, D.C.: American Public Health Association, 2008.

Matson, David O. “Rotaviruses.” In Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, edited by Sarah S. Long, Larry K. Pickering, and Charles G. Prober. 3d ed. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2008.