Rotavirus

Rotavirus
Name:
Institution:Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the type of virus which mostly affects children who are below the age of 5. The virus infects the bowels and causes severe inflammation of the intestines and stomach (gastroenteritis) to severe diarrhea. The infection is highly contagious and can easily be transmitted to others. Its incubation period is usually approximately two days. The infection mostly occurs in infants. Adults can also be infected but it is usually less severe. The virus is of different strains, and multiple strains can occur in different infections (Stopper, 2016).
Symptoms
The symptoms of the virus are more noticeable in teenagers and can start within two days once exposed to the infection. Severe diarrhea is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include vomiting, stool with blood, fever, dehydration, severe fatigue, abdominal pain, and irritability. However, for children, dehydration is the utmost concern.
Causes and Transmission.
Rotavirus is present in the stool of an infected person and is mostly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The infections occur in most areas where children are highly concentrated such as kindergartens and nurseries. Not practicing good hand hygiene, such as not washing hands before eating or after using the toilet can result in the spread of the virus.
Diagnosis
The infection is diagnosed by conducting a stool test which detects the rotavirus. Also, a laboratory test referred to as enzyme immunoassay can help in detecting the virus.

Treatment
There are not moderations that can treat the virus. However, antivirals and antibiotics can be used to counter the of the symptoms. To prevent excessive dehydration, people suffering from the virus are advised to: drink a lot of water, take broth-based soups, avoid sugary foods, and to take Pedialyte.
Prevention
To prevent the spread of the infection, proper hand hygiene should be practiced after using the toilet or after changing the diaper of a child. There are two vaccines which are used in the prevention of the infection; Rota Teq and Rotarix. The Rota Teq vaccine is administered through the mouth at the ages of 2, 4 and 6 months. Rotarix is in liquid form and is administered at the ages of 2 and 4 months.
References
Shiel, William. (2016). Rotavirus Infection. [Online]. Available at: https://www.medicinenet.com/rotavirus/article.htm#rotavirus_infection_facts. Accessed 27th April 2018.