By Franklin Delgado
Rotavirus, an RNA virus that causes severe gastroenteritis, is affecting a growing number of individuals in the United States, especially infants and the elderly in nursing homes. 7.3% of the tests carried out between March and April were positive, exceeding previous percentages.
Experts say the decline in vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic has left more children and babies vulnerable. The vaccine series must be completed before 8 months, and the lack of herd immunity is allowing the virus to spread.
Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Scientific Neighborhood, based in Nashville, Tennessee, told Fox Files Digital that rotavirus causes severe dehydration, highlighting complications in young children. Surveillance methods have improved, but the increase in hospital visits is also related to a current increase in cases.
“Rotavirus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which means that a person comes into contact with droplets of the virus when interacting with other children or adults, or by touching objects such as toys contaminated with the virus by someone who is sick,” he explained.
Initial symptoms of rotavirus
Initial symptoms of rotavirus in infants and the elderly usually include fever and vomiting, quickly followed by watery diarrhea.
In babies
- Mild to moderate fever, vomiting and nausea appear in the first 1-2 days after exposure.
- 3-8 days of frequent diarrhea follow, with a high risk of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, fewer wet diapers, sunken fontanelle).
- Irritability, lethargy or belly pain may occur.
In elderly
- Initial symptoms are similar, but often milder: fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.
- Excessive fatigue, belly pain and irritability are added, with dehydration as a key complication (intense thirst, dry skin).
- In healthy older adults, there may be few or no symptoms.
Prevention and treatment
Since there are no antiviral treatments, intravenous rehydration is key in the management of rotavirus. “The main treatment consists of hospitalization for rehydration through intravenous (IV) fluids,” Zachary Hoy told Fox Files Digital. “Sometimes, up to two or three days of intravenous fluids may be necessary to rehydrate patients.”
Pediatricians also advise complying with the vaccination schedule and reinforcing hygiene practices such as hand washing to prevent infections.
Despite advances in detecting the virus, awareness about vaccination and preventive measures is essential to control the outbreak and protect the most vulnerable populations.
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