Rota Virus
The rotavirus belongs to the family of the 'Reoviridae'. The virus was discovered in 1973, when fluid from the duodenum of children who suffered from a kind of 'winter flu' and had to vomit a lot, was examined under an electron microscope. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in combination with dehydration. The rotavirus is life-threatening for babies. Because the symptoms resemble gastroenteritis and the general practitioners are not fully aware of the rotavirus, one in 74 infants end up in the hospital in their first year of life, even though there is a vaccine.
The rotavirus is responsible for 40 to 60 percent of diarrhea cases that lead to hospitalization in developed countries.
- The organism is responsible for 20 to 40 percent of serious diarrhea cases in children in developing countries.
- Diarrhea caused by the rotavirus mainly occurs in children between six months and two years. Children between six months and two years have an increased risk of dehydration and babies younger than a year can dry out completely within 24 hours.
- An infected child spreads the rotavirus in his immediate environment to, for example, toys and drinking cups, where the virus can easily survive for days. Because young children put everything in their mouths it can easily be transferred to another child. Because infected children excrete rotavirus before showing any symptoms, contamination can occur unnoticed. Sometimes several children are infected at, for example, a day care center, so you must inform any facilities your child frequents. These outbreaks are seen more often in the months of November to March.
- The incubation period (the time between the infection and the occurrence of the first symptoms) of rotavirus is about two days (on average one to three days).
Characteristics
- vomiting and watery diarrhea for three to eight days;
- fever;
- stomach ache;
- dehydration, because a lot of fluid is lost during vomiting and diarrhea (children can lose body fluid very quickly and that is especially dangerous for children under the age of two).
Dehydration is characterized by:
- a dry mouth;
- no wet diaper or other sign that the child has peed for several hours;
- extreme lethargy and weakness;
- crying without tears.
Once infected with the rotavirus, your child is not completely immune, but later infections have much less serious consequences than the first. Those infected with the rotavirus secrete billions of particles of the virus through the feces. This can be measured with the aid of an immunological examination. The diagnosis can also be made by examining samples of stool for rotavirus proteins.
Drinking plenty of fluids can save a person's life, but does not prevent the spread of the virus.
In case of (serious) dehydration, it is recommended to use a special salt or glucose solution, also known as ORS. Make sure that the water you use is first boiled or comes from an unopened, sealed bottle, otherwise there is a risk secondary infection. If the patient has diarrhea, he must drink a lot, and try to eat dry biscuits or crackers.
Children need special attention and care to prevent dehydration. The ORS treatment is especially important for children.
General prevention measures include good hygiene practices, such as:
- washing your hands regularly;
- chemical disinfection;breastfeeding to transfer protective proteins (antibodies) from the mother to the newborn baby.
The transmission of the virus can, among other things, be effectively counteracted if staff members of day-care centers or other childcare workers regularly wash their hands. Parents also need to be careful that the nurseries are carefully cleaned and that surfaces that could be contaminated with the virus are disinfected.
Other general precautions to prevent infection:
Do not drink tap water and unpasteurized milk, and do not eat ice cream or unpasteurized dairy products. Be safe: bottles of carbonated soft drinks (especially soft drinks with a taste), beer, wine, hot coffee or tea, boiled water or water that has been cleaned with iodine or chlorine. Do not eat anything at stalls or restaurants that looks suspicious.
There is an orally administered vaccine against the rotavirus available, but this depends on your area of jurisdiction. The UK, for example, provide this free of charge on the NHS vaccination program. In the US this varies state by state.
Most read information articles
-
1st trimester (Bloodloss)
Many women suffer from some slight bleeding in early pregnancy. Normally, women who have had slight bleeding in the first trimester have no problems during the further pregnancy. A little blood loss can be normal, but it is sometimes a cause for conc......(136840 x) Read more » -
Stomach cramps
Babies get tummy cramps. They come and go many times. It's no fun for parents either; you can see your little one in pain, the crying doesn't seem to stop, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing you can do to help. Bowel cramps oc......(121206 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy symptoms
It is important during pregnancy to know the difference between normal symptoms and those which should be reported to your midwife or doctor. Below is a list of the most common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Areola around the nipples get ......(86899 x) Read more » -
Mucus plug
During pregnancy, a mucous membrane forms in your uterus. The mucous membrane prevents infections of your uterus. The mucous membrane will remain in place until you give birth. When labour starts, the cervix is stretched and softer. This can c......(66555 x) Read more » -
Empty days (Breastfeeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you will probably wake up early and go to bed late in the early days. Your milk production is not yet set to your baby's demands. Moms often feel uncertain during these "empty" days; baby seems insatiable and y......(63622 x) Read more » -
Feeding
For the first six months, breastfeeding or complete infant formula will usually provide your baby with enough nutrients. The amount of food a baby needs is always different for each child. According to pediatricians, you can use the following guideli......(61849 x) Read more » -
Stillbirth (Loss)
If you lose your child after the 16th week, or your child dies during childbirth, this is officially classed as a "stillbirth". It's a tragic and often traumatic experience for parents. A mix of emotions are involved; anger, guilt, sadn......(58102 x) Read more » -
Development of the foetus
An interactive video of the development of your baby. Slide the sliders to see the growth! The first picture shows the growth from 0 to 8 weeks, the second the growth from 8 to 40 weeks. You may also like this animated gif: ......(57954 x) Read more » -
2nd trimester (Bloodloss)
Occassionaly you may have some blood loss during your second trimester. Common causes include cervical growth or inflammation. Bleeding can pose a threat to both the mother and the unborn child. The most common cause of severe vaginal blood loss duri......(55361 x) Read more » -
Teeth
First teeth Generally, babies get their first teeth between 5 and 9 months. Normally, the first two are bottom incisors, followed by the top two, then the teeth to either side. All eight cutting teeth usually come through when the baby is 8 ......(52708 x) Read more » -
Breasts
Pregnancy and breast changes: During your pregnancy, your breasts are temporarily a little bigger. The following breast changes are normal: The breasts feel fuller and are more sensitive because pregnancy hormones p......(51977 x) Read more » -
Sleep (Sleep during pregnancy)
During your pregnancy, you may have more difficulty sleeping than usual. A larger abdomen, heartburn, anxiety, back pain and shortness of breath lead to less sleep. You can get frustrated about the lack of good sleep. Yet sleep is very necessary......(51511 x) Read more » -
Checklist baby outfits (Checklists)
When you're pregnant you need to spend a lot of time and money, because the new little addition to your family will need a lot more than you first think! What will you need? Well, print this handy checklist so you don't forget anything! &n......(50887 x) Read more » -
Skin changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy as well as other factors can result in changes to your skin which can include: "Pregnancy glow" You may get a radiant glow over your face. Your face seems to blush because you have more bl......(50437 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy after 35
Women are increasingly choosing to become pregnany at a later age. This has several reasons; work and career, still busy with study or promotion, no suitable partner, financial worries. The average age at which women have their first child increased ......(46403 x) Read more » -
Reflux in babies
Milk-spitting isn't the same as reflux Many newborns may spit out or dribble a mouthful of milk after they've been fed. They can drink more than they can handle, and some of it comes right back up. This little bit of returned is ......(42703 x) Read more » -
Gender of the baby
Dr. Landrum Shettles was a pioneer in fertility techniques. He was involved very early in experiments in which ova could be fertilized in a laboratory. He has also researched for years to influence the sex of babies. He also wrote a book about it, wh......(42233 x) Read more » -
Coughing and choking
It's well known that babies put "everything" in their mouths. They do this to explore their surroundings. Small objects can be dangerous to children (especially young children), the objects may become clogged in the trachea, res......(41720 x) Read more » -
Fluid retention (edema)
It's normal for your body to retain excess water during pregnancy. This can be on average 2 to 3 liters. In the last month, especially, this is very noticeable; symptoms include swollen hands, feet and face. Even in warm weather, you will retain ......(40809 x) Read more » -
Conceiving 30 tips
If you want to use a lubricant then use PreSeed. When you are dry the sperm have less chance of swimming up, PreSeed provides a comfortable environment for the sperms to swim through. Eat green leafy vegetables with plenty of folic acid, and thi......(40787 x) Read more » -
Clustering (Breastfeeding)
Clustering is a common term within the breastfeeding world. In short, it means that a child wants to drink at a certain time of the day, or sometimes even more often, with you. Sometimes a child wants to be at the breast continuously. It is completel......(40737 x) Read more » -
Sex (Safety during pregnancy)
Sex during pregnancy Many people worry that having sex during pregnancy will somehow harm or disturb the baby. Although perhaps the mechanics, especially as you get further on in your pregnancy, may prove challenging, there is no reason couples cann......(39987 x) Read more » -
Pregnancy tests
When can you take a pregnancy test? Urine tests can take place one day before the next period starts. Blood tests can be done at 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Pregnancy tests work by checking your urine for a hormone called human chori......(38712 x) Read more » -
Jaundice
The cause of the yellow color of the skin and mucous membranes is the substance bilirubin. This substance is released by red blood cell degradation. The baby has much more red blood cells than an adult in the womb. The red blood cells also ......(38329 x) Read more » -
Pelvic instability
Experiencing pain in your pelvic region is another symptom of pregnancy and quite normal. Research shows that 50 to 60% of women suffer from pelvic pain or low back pain. Early in pregnancy, hormones make the pelvis more flexible. In addition, the......(37736 x) Read more » -
Hypotension (Blood pressure)
Your blood pressure depends on age, weight and health. Average blood pressure is 120/80 (120 over 80). The first number is systolic pressure. This indicates how high the arterial pressure is and when the blood is pumped into the arteries every heart ......(37554 x) Read more » -
Vaginal infections (Tests before pregnancy)
Normally the vaginal discharge is whitish or slightly transparent in color and feels slimy and sticky. In pregnancy it is normal that the amount and thickness of the secretions vary greatly. Most women have more discharge than normal during pregnancy......(37129 x) Read more » -
Foreskin (Baby care)
The penis primarily consists of what could be called a stem and an acorn. The "acorn" tip is very sensitive and protected by a thin fold of skin. In some boys this covering is complete, while in other boys the covering is only partial. I......(36877 x) Read more » -
During a twin pregnancy (Twins)
Approximately 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is a twin or multiple pregnancy. Normally during your first ultrasound scan it will be determined whether you are having more than one baby although it may take the entire nine months for you to get over t......(35329 x) Read more »