Rotavirus is said to be among the leading causes of mortality among young children, particularly in regions with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The virus spreads through contaminated surfaces and is associated with poor hygiene, said Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant paediatrician, paediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Ong Sik Yong.
He said that about 30% of hospital admissions among children under five are related to rotavirus infections, which cause severe dehydration and gastroenteritis.
“The symptoms consist of fever lasting between 48 and 72 hours, vomiting and abdominal pain.
“It could become dangerous when severe dehydration occurs, which could lead to death,” he said.
Dr Ong said children below one year of age may not be able to express these symptoms, and parents or caretakers might mistake continuous crying as minor discomfort or something less serious.
He said that when severe dehydration occurred, the child might not produce tears while crying, and might also be unable to urinate.
“The child may also become lethargic, have a dry mouth and experience abnormal breathing.
“These are the red flags to look out for, and the child needs to be rushed to a hospital immediately,” he stressed.
According to Dr Ong, there are five types of rotavirus strains.
Children, he said, could still become sick a second time if they were infected with another strain, although the symptoms might be less severe.
Children brought to hospitals would often be given anti-vomiting medication to stop the vomiting, rehydration therapy and also probiotics to support gut health, he elaborated.
However, if children developed symptoms at home, they could be given oral rehydration salts (ORS), which contain a mixture of glucose and essential salts used to prevent and treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea, vomiting or heavy fluid loss, he said.
“ORS is a better option than giving any form of isotonic drink, or even soups that contain sodium,” said Dr Ong.
“When a child is vomiting, it is still important to keep the child hydrated.
“They could be given water or ORS using a spoon or syringe every three to four hours to minimise fluid loss.”
Prevention is the most effective strategy, said Dr Ong.
“Vaccination is recommended before the baby turns three-and-a-half months old.
“It is best to vaccinate the baby by the sixth week after birth and, at the latest, by three-and-a-half months old,” he said.
“Prioritise this vaccine because there are some risks associated with taking it when the child is older, such as intussusception – telescoping of one part of the bowel into another.
“This risk is minimal, but best to administer the vaccine earlier during the recommended window,” he advised.
He also recommended maintaining a clean environment for the children, to reduce the risk of infection.
Children should also always be given clean, boiled water to prevent them from consuming contaminated water.
When asked if rotavirus was seasonal, Dr Ong said if an area was affected by floods and the water source became contaminated, it could increase the risk of children becoming infected.
“However, in colder countries, rotavirus may have a higher chance of infecting children, especially during winter season.
“Just be careful in using public toilets when travelling during the holiday season, and ensure the children’s hands are thoroughly cleaned after using the toilet,” Dr Ong said, stressing that simple measures can go a long way in reducing rotavirus infection risk.
