Rotavirus Gastroenteritis

• Rotavirus

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.

• Cause of Rotavirus

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

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.

• Rotavirus Incubation Period

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.

• Rotavirus Symptoms

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.

• Rotavirus Diagnosis

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.

• Rotavirus Treatment

When dealing with a rotavirus, treatment involves managing the symptoms of the virus. This eMedTV article stresses the importance of keeping the body hydrated when treating a rotavirus and discusses other methods for relieving symptoms of the virus.

• Rotavirus Prevention

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.

• Rotavirus Vaccine

In February 2006, the FDA approved RotaTeq, a new rotavirus vaccine. This portion of the eMedTV archives explains the dosing schedule for the vaccine and discusses studies assessing its safety and effectiveness.

• Rotavirus in Infants

Symptoms of rotavirus in infants include diarrhea -- rotavirus is a common cause of diarrhea in infants. This eMedTV resource explains how rotavirus is transmitted, diagnosed, treated, and prevented in infants.

• Rotavirus in Children

As explained in this eMedTV article, many children may become infected with a rotavirus. In children under 5, rotavirus infections result in about 400,000 doctor visits each year in the US. This Web page explains how the virus affects children.

• Adult Rotavirus

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

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.