Rotavirus infection

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Rotavirus infection

Rotavirus infection affects the digestive tract and is the most common cause of vomiting and severe diarrhea in babies and young children. Other symptoms include fever and stomach pain.

Rotavirus spreads when a child has oral contact with stool (feces) containing the virus. The infection can also spread if a child touches a surface with rotavirus germs on it and then touches his or her mouth.

A rotavirus infection in babies or young children is usually minor, generally lasting for about 3 to 8 days. The infection usually goes away on its own. Sometimes, rotavirus infection can lead to severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), which can be life-threatening. Preventing dehydration is an important part of treatment for rotavirus infection.

Rotavirus immunization is recommended for all children. It helps protect against rotavirus infection.

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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