Rotavirus is defined as a contagious infection that causes severe diarrhoea, particularly in babies and young children. It is most prevalent during the winter and spring months (generally between January and June in the northern hemisphere. This illness, which is typically accompanied by vomiting, fever and dehydration, can spread easily in environments where hygiene standards are poor. The most effective method of protection against the rotavirus, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration if not detected early and treated appropriately, is reported to be vaccination.

Research indicates that worldwide, at least one in five children under the age of five contracts the rotavirus, which has an incubation period of two days and a recovery period of approximately one week. Dr. İsmet Öncü, a Paediatrician at Medline Adana Hospital, provides important information about the disease, stating: “The rotavirus, which can even cause deaths in infants due to fluid loss resulting from infection, is the most common cause of diarrhoea in young children worldwide.”

It can cause outbreaks

Rotavirus infection is one of the most common causes of acute, severe diarrhoea, particularly in children aged five and under. Symptoms typically begin with fever and vomiting following an incubation period of less than 48 hours. Frequent, watery and particularly foul-smelling, bloodless diarrhoea, along with abdominal pain, are added to these symptoms. Symptoms can last between 3 and 8 days. Children in this age group worldwide experience a rotavirus infection at least once. The most common mode of transmission is direct or indirect (fecal-oral route) contact with an infected person. Settings where people live in close proximity, such as hospitals, schools and nurseries, can also lead to outbreaks. The virus can be found on toys and the surfaces of objects. It can also be transmitted via the respiratory tract. Therefore, the rotavirus is a significant cause of infection, particularly among children attending nursery.

Watch out for fluid loss!

Rotavirus infection, which is particularly common in children between the ages of 4 and 24 months, can lead to very severe cases. No specific treatment to stop diarrhoea is administered; the aim is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. For children able to take oral fluids, in addition to ensuring they drink plenty of water, a suitable anti-diarrhoea diet is recommended, including potatoes, rice, yoghurt, bananas and breast milk. Oral rehydration solutions designed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes may be recommended by a physician. In children with severe signs of dehydration, intravenous fluid therapy is administered.

The only way to prevent the disease is through vaccination

Research has shown that children fed with breast milk experience milder symptoms of the disease. Therefore, it is very important that babies continue to be breastfed during the breastfeeding period. The only way to protect against rotavirus is through vaccination. To protect against this disease, two or three doses of the oral vaccine are administered to babies over two months of age, starting with the first dose at two months, and the vaccination must be completed before the 32nd week.

The vaccine’s protection lasts for a long time

Once administered during infancy, the rotavirus vaccine provides strong protection, particularly in the early years, acting as an effective shield against severe rotavirus diarrhoea. This vaccine, which is generally administered orally, offers the highest level of protection during the first 2-3 years of life following the completion of the doses. The early years are the period when children are most at risk of severe rotavirus-related diarrhoea and dehydration. Although protection diminishes over time as children get older, vaccinated children usually experience a milder form of the illness even if they do contract it. Although the duration of immunity provided by the rotavirus vaccine may vary depending on the child’s general health, immune system and environmental factors, its primary aim is not to prevent the disease entirely but to prevent severe complications.