Rotavirus Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children in the United States. The virus can cause children to lose body fluids very quickly and can be life-threatening for infants. It can also affect adults.
In the Northern Hemisphere, rotavirus infections occur most often between October and April. The virus is very easy to catch. Children can spread the virus before and after they've become sick with diarrhea. Nearly all children become infected with rotavirus before age 5. Signs and symptoms include: Fever Upset stomach Vomiting Watery diarrhea Diarrhea can be moderate to severe. Fever and vomiting usually end after two to three days. But the diarrhea can last up to nine days. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. A doctor may make a diagnosis of rotavirus based on: Signs and symptoms A physical exam Rapid stool test results There's no specific treatment for rotavirus. To prevent dehydration, your doctor may recommend an oral rehydration solution, especially if your child's diarrhea lasts longer than a few days. A vaccine to help prevent the most serious effects of rotavirus in young children became available in 1998. But the vaccine was later withdrawn when it appeared to cause a rare type of bowel obstruction (intussusception) in some children. For now, the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
