Pediatric rotavirus
Pediatric rotavirus (ro·ta·vi·rus) is a highly contagious gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) infection.
What is pediatric rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a contagious infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines that can result in severe diarrhea and dehydration. Children with rotavirus may need to be hospitalized. If dehydration is left untreated, it can be life-threatening.
A rotavirus vaccination or having a previous case of rotavirus does not mean that a child will not get rotavirus. However, if you child does get rotavirus again, the symptoms may not be as severe.
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric rotavirus?
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Severe and/or watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
What are the causes of pediatric rotavirus?
Rotavirus is extremely contagious and is caused by a specific viral infection that is passed from person-to-person. A person can contract rotavirus through contact with infected stool on their hands, food, water or other surfaces.
Risk factors
Children are at greater risk of having rotavirus if they attend daycare or if they live with someone who currently has rotavirus.