Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in young children. Most kids have had at least one bout of rotavirus by the time they are three. Rotavirus is a major cause of childhood deaths in developing countries.
What causes rotavirus?
Rotavirus is caused by one of several viruses. It is spread through contact with someone who has the virus. Rotavirus is also spread through contact with faeces and contaminated water.
Is rotavirus serious?
Rotavirus is usually not serious. The most serious complications may arise from dehydration due to severe diarrhoea.
Can I prevent rotavirus?
Like most viruses, rotavirus is best prevented by thorough hand washing. The virus is contagious from a few days before symptoms begin to about ten days after symptoms disappear, so keep your child home during this time to prevent infecting other children. If your child has rotavirus and you don't wash your hands after changing his nappy or helping him use the bathroom, you can spread the virus yourself.
How do I know if my child has rotavirus?
Rotavirus usually begins with a fever. Your child may then experience several days of vomiting and diarrhoea. Some kids might experience abdominal pain. Occasionally, kids have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Your child can get rotavirus more than once, but subsequent infections will probably not be as bad.
How do I treat rotavirus?
You can treat rotavirus at home by making sure that your child gets plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Don't use medications to prevent vomiting and/or diarrhoea unless your doctor advises you to do so. You can use paracetamol for fever. If your child has a severe infection, he may need to be hospitalised and given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if your child shows signs of dehydration or if he has a fever of 38.9°C or higher.
What you need to know about rotavirus
- Rotavirus is a common childhood illness caused by a virus.
- Most kids have had at least one bout of rotavirus by the time they are three.
- Rotavirus is contagious but can be prevented with thorough hand washing.
- Because rotavirus can cause dehydration, make sure that your child drinks lots of fluids.
Find more relevant articles and information about rotavirus
- What are some other stomach infections?
- What are the best ways to measure a child's temperature?
- Read more about diarrhoea
- Read more about gastroenteritis
- Read more about fevers
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia's parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Last revised: Monday, 18 January 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.