This highly infectious virus causes severe diarrhoea in young children

How the rotavirus gets transmitted from an infected person to a baby or young child. — Positive Parenting

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that is transmitted by the faecal-oral route.

The viruses are shed in high amount in the stool of infected people and spread easily through hand-to-mouth and close person-to-person contact.

It can also spread via fomites (i.e. surfaces and objects like door handles and toys), foods and beverages, and unclean water.

The virus is very stable and may remain viable in the environment for a long time – up to weeks – if there is no disinfection process.

The name “rotavirus” was suggested 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 came after he observed that a rotavirus particle looks like a wheel (rota in Latin) when viewed through an electron microscope.

There are nine species of rotavirus, consisting of Rotavirus A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I and J.

Rotavirus A is the most common species, causing the majority – over 90% – of rotavirus infections in humans.

It is also the most common cause of severe diarrhoea among infants and young children.

It is estimated that every child would have been infected by rotavirus at least once by the age of five.

A study published in 2016 estimated that rotavirus causes 27 deaths, 31,000 hospitalisations and 41,000 outpatient visits in Malaysia annually.

Signs of infection

Typical signs of a rotavirus infection include non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Tiredness.

Such symptoms generally tend to resolve by themselves in three to seven days.

However, you do need to watch out for severe dehydration in your child as this can be life-threatening.

Here are the signs of severe dehydration:

• Little urination or dry diapers
• Crying with no tears
• Dry mouth and throat
• Irritability
• Extreme sleepiness
• Sunken eyes
• Poor skin elasticity.

Managing the infection

Consult a doctor if your child is showing any symptoms of severe rotavirus infection or dehydration.

Certain medications may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.

Note that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.

The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration.

For babies, continue feeding them with breastmilk or formula as usual.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) may be necessary.

Give older children plenty of fluids from drinks or foods.

ORS may also be prescribed to these older children.

Avoid carbonated drinks, apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, as these may worsen diarrhoea.

Preventing the infection

There are two simple ways of preventing a rotavirus infection:

> Good hygiene

Practise frequent and thorough handwashing, especially after being exposed to stool, e.g. after using the toilet or changing your child’s diaper.

Regular cleaning methods are insufficient to get rid of the rotavirus on commonly- touched areas.

The best option is to use a bleach solution (one part bleach and nine parts water) to disinfect surfaces or objects that might have been touched by an infected person.

> Vaccination

Vaccination is the primary public health intervention against the rotavirus.

There are two types of oral vaccines available: one with a two-dose series and another with a three-dose series.

Both can be given as early as six weeks of age with a minimum interval of four weeks between doses.

The maximum age to receive a rotavirus vaccination dose is at eight months of age.

Speak to your doctor to learn more about rotavirus vaccination for your child.

Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.