General Information About Rotavirus Infection
Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral intestinal infection that frequently occurs in the winter months, particularly in infants and children under the age of 5, causing severe diarrhea, projectile vomiting, and high fever. It carries a risk of severe dehydration (fluid loss). It is treated with fluid-electrolyte support in our Pediatric Departments and can be prevented by oral drop vaccines.
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
You can find detailed information about the condition under the headings below.
What is Rotavirus Infection?
It is a highly contagious virus that infects the stomach and intestinal linings of infants and children, disrupting fluid absorption, and is the leading cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide.
How is it Transmitted?
The virus is shed in the stool. It spreads very rapidly (fecal-oral) when hands are not washed thoroughly or when contaminated toys or pacifiers are put into the baby's mouth. Daycare centers and hospitals are the major places of transmission.
What are the Symptoms?
The disease usually begins with a sudden high fever and relentless, severe vomiting. A few days later, this is joined by watery, very foul-smelling diarrhea that recurs 10-15 times a day.
Why is it a Life-Threatening Danger for Babies?
Babies have very low body water reserves. Due to vomiting and severe diarrhea, they lose water and salt from their bodies within hours and become dehydrated. This condition can lead to kidney failure and even death.
How is it Diagnosed?
The virus is detected within half an hour by examining a stool (feces) sample taken from the child's diaper or toilet in the laboratory with a Rotavirus Antigen Test.
How are the Treatment and Vaccine?
There is no medication or antibiotic to stop the diarrhea. The sole aim of the treatment is to replace the fluid the child has lost with serum or special drinks (ORS). The most effective way to protect against the disease is the Rotavirus Vaccine, which is administered orally in drops at the 2nd and 4th months.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
