Research shows that more than 150,000 children below five years of age had died of rotavirus infections. Rotaviruses are a serious cause of concern across the globe because of their high transmission rate. This article explains the symptoms, the causes, and how the disease can be treated.
What is rotavirus?
Rotaviruses are a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. Rotaviruses are common worldwide and the leading cause of severe diarrhoea in infants and young children. Although there are several species of rotavirus, only some infect humans. Strains P and G have been associated with moderate-to-severe diseases, including symptoms of dehydration, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhoea.
The diarrhoea caused by rotavirus infection is what is known as acute gastroenteritis, which means inflammation of the intestinal tract. It mostly affects young children and can lead to dehydration, a condition where the body loses more fluids than what it takes in. Other people at risk of getting the virus are elderly folks and those with a weakened immune system.
Rotavirus is transmitted from person to person through contact with contaminated hands or surfaces, respiratory droplets, and sometimes through contaminated food or water, especially when they are having diarrhoea.
How is rotavirus transmitted?
The spread of rotavirus can happen through direct or indirect contact with the faeces of a person who has the rotavirus disease. Here are the possible ways of transmission:
- Person-to-person contact
- Hand-to-mouth contact
- Drinking water that is contaminated with rotavirus
- Eating food that has been prepared by contaminated hands
- Touching a surface that was touched by infected people
- Touching your mouth with unwashed hands
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
The symptoms of rotavirus usually last 4 to 8 days, but severe gastroenteritis can last for a month or result in hospitalisation. The following symptoms may manifest within a few days of exposure to the virus:
- Water diarrhoea, often containing mucus and blood
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Source: Positive Parenting
Vomiting in infants less than six months may be due to what is called gastroesophageal reflux or what is commonly referred to as infant acid reflux. Diarrhoea in the form of watery stools also occurs during this early stage.
As the symptoms progress, children may become restless, irritable and lethargic, which sometimes leads them into what is called an altered level of consciousness. These may be followed by episodes of forceful diarrhoea with tenesmus, or straining when passing stool, and abdominal pain over the next day, causing symptoms to worsen.
Diarrhoea leads to severe dehydration or severe loss of fluids, which is a major cause for concern as it poses a threat to young children, especially those below five years old. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and skin, sunken eyes, less frequent urination, no tears when crying and rapid breathing. An infected child may also experience abdominal bloating, decreased bowel sounds and hypotension, which refers to an abnormally low blood pressure.
Children with rotavirus can also potentially develop diarrhoea-associated complications, such as electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia, which means potassium deficiency in the blood plasma, acidosis, respiratory infection, ear infection, and a whole range of other infectious diseases.
Children less than six months of age with gastroenteritis can suffer severe dehydration, which may lead to hypovolemic shock, a medical condition in which their blood volume drops to very low levels. These are the main causes of infant deaths from rotavirus.
How is rotavirus treated?
Although there is no specific treatment for rotavirus, relieving the symptoms through oral rehydration therapy will help restore the body's natural immune response and overcome the rotavirus infection. Taking fluids by mouth is recommended, but intravenous fluids and electrolytes can be administered to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. The patient needs plenty of fluids to restore their body's proper hydration status and maintain adequate circulation during fluid losses as a result of diarrhoea.
Bland, easily digestible foods are also recommended in the treatment of diarrhoea in children. Foods that can help with diarrhoea include starchy foods like rice, bread, pasta and potatoes as well as bananas, toast or dry biscuits. It is also important to avoid anything that can trigger an allergic reaction.
Patients should seek medical advice if their diarrhoea does not improve after two days. They may need antiviral medications because they may have developed an infection caused by bacteria. This can happen if your immune system has been weakened by another bacterial disease such as meningococcal disease.
In treating diarrhoea in breastfed babies, it's important not to stop breastfeeding them. Breastmilk has lots of nutrients that will help them feel better more quickly. It also replaces lost liquids and protects against infection. When you have to make up feeds with formula milk, don't put anything in it; just give the baby boiled water until things settle down again.
Prevention of rotavirus
Rotavirus can be prevented by taking preventive measures and maintaining proper hygiene at all times. Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to avoid the risk of infection due to rotavirus. It is especially important before eating or preparing meals, after using the toilet and changing diapers, after caring for someone who is sick with diarrhoea and after touching animals, whether they are pets or farm animals.
Rotavirus vaccination is also recommended for infants as studies have shown that vaccinated children have lower chances of contracting the disease. According to Australia's Department of Health, there were roughly 10,000 hospital admissions for children younger than five every year before immunisation against rotavirus became available in the country. The risk of severe gastroenteritis in children who have been immunised is minimal to none. However, be sure to consult your child's paediatrician first to avoid the unwanted side effects of immunisation for rotavirus.
Another way to curb the spread of rotavirus is to stay away from school, work, childcare centre or any place where you could potentially spread it if your child exhibits the common symptoms. Also, make sure that all the surfaces in your home, as well as their toys, are cleaned and disinfected.
You can reach a natural health professional in your area through the listing pages of Natural Therapy Pages if you have more questions about rotavirus.
