What is rotavirus?
It is one of the viruses that causes gastroenteritis, and it can be spread through the faecal-oral route. For example, if children have unwashed hands and then handle food or eat unclean food, there is a chance of contracting rotavirus, which causes gastroenteritis symptoms.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis generally include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and continuous abdominal pain and discomfort.
Rotavirus severity
Rotavirus can cause illness in babies with just a small amount of virus, and diarrhoea can be severe, with some cases leading to serious dehydration. Rotavirus is most dangerous for the youngest infants, so hospitalisation may be considered if the condition is serious.
Rotavirus prevention
- Personal hygiene: Be careful to clean areas and food that children may come into contact with.
- Rotavirus Vaccination: There are currently two types available on the market, one requiring three doses and the other two doses. This vaccine is not provided at maternal and child health centres. Parents who wish to arrange for their children to be vaccinated may consult a paediatrician.
Almost all children have been infected with rotavirus before the age of 5.After recovering from the first infection, lifelong immunity will not be developed, so there is a chance of reinfection.
