Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. Approximately one in five cases of all “stomach flu” in children are caused by rotavirus. This infection can be serious, leading to dehydration (loss of body fluid) especially for babies and young children. A previous infection does not usually protect a child from getting the disease again.

A health-care provider will ask you about your child’s symptoms and for you to collect a sample of the child’s stool for testing.

Rotavirus can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Symptoms usually appear one to three days after getting the virus. Diarrhea and vomiting may last for three to eight days. Children may stop eating and drinking while they are sick. Frequent watery diarrhea or vomiting can lead to serious illness in young children, which may require the child to be admitted to a hospital for care.

The virus is in the stool of people who become ill. Rotavirus is spread easily from hand to mouth by dirty diapers, toys, changing tables or doorknobs that have a small amount of stool on them. A person who has rotavirus can spread the infection before they start to feel sick and continue spreading it until 24 hours or longer after their diarrhea stops. 

Almost all children who have not been immunized will have at least one rotavirus infection before they are five years of age. It usually affects children between the ages of six months and two years.

Most children recover within three to eight days. Dehydration is the most common complication and may require a visit to the emergency department or hospitalization.

If an outbreak of rotavirus is occurring, Public Health staff may try to find out how the infection started, identify people who may be at risk and suggest actions to help stop the spread of the infection (i.e. asking infected workers or children in daycare settings to stay home). 

The rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect against rotavirus disease. To help prevent the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the toilet, changing your child’s diapers or helping your child to use the toilet.

For additional information, contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.