General Information About Rotavirus
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a highly contagious virus that infects the lining of the stomach and intestines in infants and children, impairs fluid absorption, and is the leading cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide.
The virus is excreted through feces. When hands are not washed thoroughly, it spreads very quickly by bringing contaminated toys or pacifiers to the baby's mouth (fecal-oral route). Daycares and hospitals are the biggest areas of transmission.
The disease usually begins with a sudden high fever and severe, relentless vomiting. A few days later, this is joined by watery, very foul-smelling diarrhea occurring 10-15 times a day.
Babies have very low body water reserves. Due to vomiting and severe diarrhea, they lose body water and salts within hours and dry out (dehydration). This condition can lead to kidney failure and even death.
The virus is detected within half an hour by examining a stool sample taken from the child's diaper or the toilet in the laboratory using a Rotavirus Antigen Test.
There is no medication or antibiotic that can stop the diarrhea. The sole purpose of treatment is to replace the fluid the child has lost using an IV drip or special drinks (ORS). The most effective way to prevent the disease is the Rotavirus Vaccine, which is administered orally in drops to babies during their 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.
