Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that’s transmitted by the faecal-oral route.
The viruses are shed in excessive quantity in the stool of contaminated folks and unfold simply by hand-to-mouth and shut person-to-person contact.
It can even unfold by way of fomites (i.e. surfaces and objects like door handles and toys), meals and drinks, and unclean water.
The virus may be very steady and should stay viable in the atmosphere for a very long time – as much as weeks – if there isn’t any disinfection course of.
The identify “rotavirus” was recommended in 1974 by the late Dr Thomas Henry Flewett, who was a founder member of the UK Royal College of Pathologists and one-time chairman of the World Health Organization (WHO) Steering Committee on Viral Diarrhoeal Diseases.
The suggestion got here after he noticed {that a} rotavirus particle appears to be like like a wheel (rota in Latin) when seen by an electron microscope.
There are 9 species of rotavirus, consisting of Rotavirus A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I and J.
Rotavirus A is the commonest species, inflicting the bulk – over 90% – of rotavirus infections in people.
It can also be the commonest reason for severe diarrhoea amongst infants and young children.
It is estimated that each youngster would have been contaminated by rotavirus at the least as soon as by the age of 5.
A research revealed in 2016 estimated that rotavirus causes 27 deaths, 31,000 hospitalisations and 41,000 outpatient visits in Malaysia yearly.
Signs of an infection
Typical indicators of a rotavirus an infection embody non-specific gastrointestinal signs reminiscent of:
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal ache
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Tiredness.
Such signs have a tendency to resolve by themselves in three to seven days.
However, you do have to be careful for severe dehydration in your youngster as this may be life-threatening.
Here are the indicators of severe dehydration:
- Little urination or dry diapers
- Crying with no tears
- Dry mouth and throat
- Irritability
- Extreme sleepiness
- Sunken eyes
- Poor pores and skin elasticity.
Managing the an infection
Consult a physician in case your youngster is exhibiting any signs of severe rotavirus an infection or dehydration.
Certain medicines could also be prescribed to alleviate the signs.
Note that antibiotics are usually not efficient towards viral infections.
The principal focus of therapy is to stop dehydration.
For infants, proceed feeding them with breastmilk or formulation as normal.
Oral rehydration options (ORS) could also be essential.
Give older children loads of fluids from drinks or meals.
ORS may additionally be prescribed to those older children.
Avoid carbonated drinks, apple juice, dairy merchandise and sugary meals, as these could worsen diarrhoea.
Preventing the an infection
There are two easy methods of stopping a rotavirus an infection:
> Good hygiene
Practise frequent and thorough handwashing, particularly after being uncovered to stool, e.g. after utilizing the bathroom or altering your youngster’s diaper.
Regular cleansing strategies are inadequate to eliminate the rotavirus on commonly- touched areas.
The best choice is to make use of a bleach answer (one half bleach and 9 components water) to disinfect surfaces or objects which may have been touched by an contaminated individual.
> Vaccination
Vaccination is the first public well being intervention towards the rotavirus.
There are two sorts of oral vaccines accessible: one with a two-dose collection and one other with a three-dose collection.
Both will be given as early as six weeks of age with a minimal interval of 4 weeks between doses.
The most age to obtain a rotavirus vaccination dose is at eight months of age.
Speak to your physician to be taught extra about rotavirus vaccination to your youngster.
Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a advisor paediatrician and paediatric heart specialist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with knowledgeable companions. For additional info, please electronic mail [email protected]. The info supplied is for academic and communication functions solely, and it shouldn’t be construed as private medical recommendation. Information revealed in this text is just not meant to interchange, supplant or increase a session with a well being skilled relating to the reader’s personal medical care. The Star doesn’t give any guarantee on accuracy, completeness, performance, usefulness or different assurances as to the content material showing in this column. The Star disclaims all accountability for any losses, injury to property or private harm suffered immediately or not directly from reliance on such info.
