Almost all kids have had a rotavirus infection by the time they're
5 years old. At Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics we can see
hundreds of children a year hospitalized due to rotavirus.
But a vaccine to help prevent rotavirus has cut hospital admission
considerably.
Researchers at Children's Mercy found only 62 children were
admitted for rotavirus infection in 2008, compared with more than 300
a year in previous years, saving about $3 million a year in
hospitalization costs.
The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that the
rotavirus vaccine be included in the lineup of routine immunizations
given to all infants. The recommendation calls for three doses by
mouth at around 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
"Rotavirus infection outbreaks are common during the winter and
spring months," says Ken Wible, MD, Chief, General Pediatrics at
Children's' Mercy Hospitals and Clinic. "It is the most common
cause of severe diarrhea among children."
Rotavirus is most common among small children and can spread on
anything a child touches including, food, toys and utensils.
Dr. Wible says the best prevention is frequent hand washing and
getting your child immunized with the rotavirus vaccine.
"Children with a rotavirus infection have fever,
nausea, and vomiting, often followed by abdominal cramps and frequent,
watery diarrhea. Kids may also have a cough and runny nose," Dr.
Wible says. "Sometimes the diarrhea that accompanies a rotavirus
infection is so severe that it can quickly lead to dehydration. An
infant or toddler who becomes moderately or severely dehydrated may
need to be treated in a hospital with intravenous fluids."
Dr. Wible encourages parents to call their health care provider
for advice if a child has signs of a rotavirus infection, especially
if the child seems dehydrated.
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org
/publiced/BR_Rotavirus.htm
http://www.aap.org/healthychildren/07fall/HC-
Fall07-Rotavirus.pdf
