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What is Rotavirus?

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Category: Region 9

RotavirusRotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Children who get rotavirus disease can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized. Rotavirus (RV) diarrhea is one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in the world. The World Health Organization has recommended RV vaccines’ use in national immunization programs since 2009. However, access to vaccines remains limited, particularly for most low and middle income countries where the burden of the disease is high. The Philippines is a lower middle income country in Asia where RV vaccination remains limited.

Now, what really is a Rotavirus and how can we prevent it? A rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms are a fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well. In healthy adults, a rotavirus infection may cause only mild signs and symptoms or none at all. Has diarrhea for more than 24 hours, vomits frequently, has black or tarry stool or stool containing blood or pus, has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher Seems tired, irritable, or in pain, has signs or symptoms of dehydration, including dry mouth, crying without tears, little or no urination, unusual sleepiness, or unresponsiveness. If you're an adult, can’t keep liquids down for 24 hours, have diarrhea for more than two days, have blood in your vomit or bowel movements, have a temperature higher than 103 F (39.4 C), Have signs or symptoms of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness on standing, or lightheadedness. Particularly in young children severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, after you have loose bowels, eat a few foods high in potassium, such as ready bananas, apricot or peach nectar, potatoes, fish, and meat. Drink liquids between dinners. Eat little sums of food habitually. Fatty foods such as fried foods, sauces, sauces and serving of mixed greens dressings and profoundly spiced foods may not be well tolerated. Immediately call your doctor and if you left untreated, dehydration can become life-threatening and even death.

To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after you use the toilet, change your child's diaper or help your child use the toilet. But even strict hand-washing doesn't offer any guarantees. And commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizers have little effect on rotavirus. The World Health Organization recommends that all countries give infants a rotavirus vaccine. There are two vaccines available:

  • This vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often at 2, 4 and 6 months. The vaccine isn't approved for use in older children or adults.
  • This vaccine is a liquid given in two doses to infants at ages 2 months and 4 months.

In the Philippines Monovalent RV vaccine (RVV) was selectively introduced in 2012 and in July 2014 was introduced in the public health program of a province. Two RVV doses are recommended at 6 and 10 weeks of age. RVV was first introduced in the Philippines’ national immunization program in 2012, targeting children who belonged to the poorest quintile. The vaccines are considered safe and effective, and studies show that they prevent thousands of children from developing rotavirus every year. However, rarely, they can cause a part of the intestine to fold back on itself (intussusception), resulting in possibly life-threatening intestinal blockage. Always be mindful of simple signs and symptoms you are experiencing, especially if it happens to children.  Always remember that prevention is always better than cure. Have good hygiene and protect your child from any diseases.

ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND

 

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