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Rotavirus

Rotaviruses are encapsulated viruses belonging to the Reoviridae family, and include seven major groups. Three of these infect humans, typically causing diseases with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Rotaviruses kill about 600,000 children each year in developing countries, but new, safe and effective vaccines have recently been developed.

Most rotaviruses cause acute gastroenteritis, which is often called infantile diarrhea, stomach flu, and winter diarrhea. The typical case is mild to severe and characterized by vomiting, watery diarrhea, and low fevers, and takes a minuscule number of infectious particles to start. Large numbers of the viruses are excreted, however, so it's very easy to get contaminated by caring for a sick child or simply being around him or her. There is also asymptomatic rotavirus excretion, which probably plays a part in perpetuating the disease as well.

Rotavirus incubation periods are up to three days, and result in as much as a week of illness. Severe cases without fluid and electrolyte replacement may result in death. Children aged 6 months -2 years, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are the most susceptible. Group A rotavirus is responsible for about 20% of all severe diarrhea cases in infants and children. Group B rotavirus infects mostly adults.

Web Resources On Rotavirus

Viral Gastroenteritis Rotavirus
USFDA: Rotaviruses

Book Resources On Rotavirus

Rotavirus: Methods & Protocols by James Gray, Ulrich Desselberger
The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Rotavirus by James N. Parker

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