Understanding Rotavirus: The Harmful Cause of Severe Diarrhea in Children – Symptoms and Prevention Before Its Too Late

"Rotavirus" is the main cause of severe diarrhea in young children that parents must not overlook. Key symptoms include high fever, vomiting, and watery stools, along with treatment options and preventive measures using the rotavirus vaccine.

Diarrhea in children is a serious matter, especially when caused by "rotavirus," which can spread rapidly and severely, potentially life-threatening. Dr. Ploy Phatthana-kitsakul from Ramathibodi Hospital explains how to properly manage and prevent this virus.

Getting to know "rotavirus," the harmful agent close to children.

Rotavirus is a primary cause of severe diarrhea in children, particularly those under 5 years old. Its danger lies in its high resistance to environmental conditions, allowing it to spread year-round, with increased cases during colder periods.

The virus is often found on hands, personal items, toys, and contaminated food or drinking water. When children ingest the virus, they may suffer dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or electrolyte imbalances, which can be severe enough to cause death.

Rotavirus symptoms to watch for.

Patients usually exhibit symptoms in the following sequence.

• Fever: About one-third of patients experience fever first.
• Vomiting: This typically lasts about 12 to 24 hours.
• Watery diarrhea: Begins after vomiting and may last 3 to 7 days, or even weeks in some cases.

Adults can also be infected, though symptoms are usually mild or absent, except for elderly individuals who may experience severe symptoms.

Treatment approach when your child is infected with rotavirus.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral medication for rotavirus. Treatment focuses on symptom management as follows.

• Rehydration: Provide oral rehydration salts (ORS) in amounts sufficient to replace lost fluids to prevent shock.
• Close monitoring: If the child becomes lethargic, less responsive, or cannot drink ORS, seek medical care promptly for intravenous fluids.
• Diet adjustment: Emphasize carbohydrates and proteins, while avoiding high-fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits.
• Feeding infants: Breastfed infants can continue normally, but for those with lactose intolerance, temporarily switching to lactose-free formula may be considered.
• Additional medications: Antipyretics or antiemetics may be given as needed. For frequent diarrhea causing diaper rash, anti-inflammatory ointments can be applied.

How to prevent rotavirus.

Prevention is simple with good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing before and after meals and after diaper changes.

However, the "best prevention" is receiving the rotavirus vaccine, which is an oral vaccine.

• Age to start: Vaccination can begin at 6 weeks of age or older.
• Effectiveness: It significantly reduces disease severity.
• Safety: The vaccine is highly safe, with minimal side effects, and can be given alongside other routine childhood vaccines.

Rotavirus is highly contagious and resilient, making hygiene the first line of defense. For peace of mind and to reduce the risk of severe illness, taking children for their scheduled vaccinations is the most effective solution for parents today.