Rotavirus is a virus that may cause severe diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. This portion of the eMedTV Web site takes an in-depth look at this virus, including how it is treated, transmitted, and prevented.
The cause of rotavirus infection is the rotavirus itself. This eMedTV article explains how a rotavirus infection develops and how the virus is commonly transmitted through contaminated stool or direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
Rotavirus transmission, in most cases, occurs through contact with contaminated stool. As this eMedTV article explains, one way transmission of a rotavirus occurs involves ingesting food or water contaminated with the virus.
The rotavirus incubation period is the time between infection and when symptoms appear. As explained in this eMedTV article, the incubation period for a rotavirus lasts approximately two days.
Diarrhea is the most common -- and the most dangerous -- of the rotavirus symptoms. This eMedTV article discusses other common signs and symptoms of rotavirus infections, which may include high fever, vomiting, upset stomach, and loss of appetite.
A rotavirus diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and tests of the patient's stool. This eMedTV article explains the steps involved in diagnosing a rotavirus and discusses the use of rapid antigen detection tests in the process.
When dealing with a rotavirus, managing the symptoms of the virus is an important part of treatment. This eMedTV article stresses the importance of keeping the body hydrated when treating a rotavirus and discusses other ways of relieving symptoms.
Perhaps the most important aspect of rotavirus prevention involves an oral vaccine. This eMedTV Web page discusses RotaTeq, a vaccine approved by the FDA in 2006 that has been shown to significantly reduce the number of rotavirus infections.
The rotavirus vaccine is a routine childhood vaccine used to prevent a common but serious infection. This eMedTV segment describes how the vaccine works, lists the different forms available, and explains when your child should get vaccinated.
In infants, symptoms of rotavirus include diarrhea -- rotavirus is a common cause of diarrhea in babies. This eMedTV resource explains how rotavirus is transmitted, diagnosed, treated, and prevented in infants.
As explained in this eMedTV article, many children may become infected with a rotavirus. In children under 5, these infections result in about 400,000 doctor visits each year in the US. This Web page explains how the virus affects children.
While the virus is more apt to affect a child than an adult, rotavirus infections occur in men and women. This eMedTV segment explains which adults are most likely to develop a rotavirus infection and discusses how the virus is treated.
Rotavirus statistics indicate that 4 out of 5 US children will get the virus in the first 5 years of life. This eMedTV article contains other statistics about the medical and economic impact of rotavirus infections in young children.
