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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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Rotavirus
What it is
Rotavirus is a virus that can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among children, resulting in the hospitalization of approximately 55,000 children each year in the United States. Once a person has had rotavirus, they can get it again, but usually the symptoms are not as bad due to some lingering immunity. Rotavirus is more prevalent in the winter and early spring months, from November to April. This illness is most common among infants and young children. Adults can contract rotavirus, but symptoms tend to be milder.
How it is spread
Rotavirus is spread primarily through the "fecal-oral" pathway. Improper handwashing after bathroom use results in the virus being spread on items and surfaces. If other non-ill people touch those items and then put their hands in their mouth, prepare/eat food using their hands, etc. they can then become ill with the virus they have picked up and ingested. It could also be spread through respiratory tract secretions and other body fluids, but this is much less likely.
Rotavirus incubates (multiplies in your system without producing any symptoms) for approximately 2 days.
Symptoms
Rotavirus causes vomiting and watery diarrhea for 3 - 8 days, and often fever and abdominal pain are also present.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A stool sample must be obtained and analyzed in order to diagnose this virus. The virus goes away on its own after a few days in people who have healthy immune systems. Rehydration therapy may be called for depending on how severe the symptoms are.
Diarrhea from rotavirus has also been described as having a very distinctive 'sweet-foul' odor that is unmistakably different from 'normal' bowel movements and/or diarrhea.
Prevention
Diligent handwashing and surface disinfection (especially common areas and surfaces used for food preparation) are key to preventing the spread of rotavirus. There is also a rotavirus vaccine that is highly effective.
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