Rotavirus infection is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Rotavirus infection is a common cause of diarrhea in infants and children, especially in countries with poor environmental sanitation.
Symptoms of rotavirus infection can appear after 2 days of exposure to this virus. One of the most common symptoms is diarrhea. Diarrhea caused by this viral infection can cause a rapid loss of fluid from the body, making it prone to dehydration.
Causes of Rotavirus Infection and Transmission
Rotavirus is one of the viruses that cause diarrhea, which is transmitted by: fecal-oral, which is transmitted from the feces of a patient who accidentally enters the mouth of a healthy person.
Rotavirus that comes out through feces can contaminate water, food, drinks, and objects that are around, such as toys and kitchen utensils. This usually happens if the cleanliness of the environment and personal hygiene of the sufferer is not maintained properly.
For example, if the patient does not wash his hands after defecating and then touches objects around him.
Rotavirus infection is common in children aged 3–35 months and in adults who care for children who have rotavirus infection.
Symptoms of Rotavirus Infection
The initial symptoms of rotavirus infection will appear 2 days after the patient is exposed to this virus. Early symptoms of this infection are:
- Diarrhea for 3–8 days
- Fever
- Throw up
- Stomach pain
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection often causes dehydration, especially in children. Symptoms that can appear when dehydration occurs are:
- dry mouth
- Eyes look sunken
- Easily sleepy
- Decreased frequency of urination
- Excessive thirst arises
- Fingertips feel cold
- Decreased consciousness
In addition to children, adults can also experience rotavirus infection. Symptoms that appear in adults are generally milder, even in some people there can be no symptoms at all. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately for treatment.
- Diarrhea more than 2 days
- Fever with a temperature of 39oC or more
- Dehydration
- Vomiting blood or defecating with blood
When to go to the doctor
Immediately see a doctor if you or your child experience symptoms of rotavirus infection as mentioned above. Prompt treatment can prevent complications due to rotavirus infection.
If you or your child is diagnosed with a rotavirus infection, follow the advice and therapy given by your doctor. Rotavirus infection can occur more than once, even in people who have been vaccinated.
Diagnosis of Rotavirus Infection
The doctor will ask questions about the complaints and symptoms experienced by the patient. After that, the doctor will do an examination to see if there is a fever and signs of dehydration.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform additional examinations, such as:
- Blood tests, to detect infections in the blood, levels of sugar, and electrolytes in the blood.
- Stool examination, to identify the type of germ that causes diarrhea and detect rotavirus antigen in stool samples
Rotavirus Infection Treatment
Treatment of rotavirus infection depends on the patient's symptoms, age, and medical history. In mild cases, rotavirus infection can clear up on its own within 3 to 7 days.
Until now there is no antiviral that can specifically treat rotavirus infection. Treatment is generally aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
If the symptoms experienced are not severe and the child or sufferer can still eat and drink, treatment can be done independently at home, namely by:
- Drink more breast milk (in children less than 2 years old) or drink water (adults)
- Drink ORS or salt sugar solution
- Eat a balanced diet, including soups and soups or broths
- Avoid the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine which can aggravate complaints and cause discomfort in the stomach
- Avoid foods that are too sweet or fatty
- Increase rest
It is important to always maintain personal and environmental hygiene. One of them is by always washing hands before and after treating people with rotavirus infection, including after changing baby diapers.
If the diarrhea is so severe that it is difficult to eat and drink, the patient needs to be hospitalized to prevent complications and dehydration.
Complications of Rotavirus Infection
Rotavirus infection can cause complications such as:
- Severe dehydration due to diarrhea
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Acidosis
- Disorders of the kidneys and liver
Prevention of Rotavirus Infection
There are several ways that can be done to prevent and reduce the spread of rotavirus infection, including:
- Wash hands with soap and running water, especially after using the toilet, after defecating, and cleaning children, or changing diapers.
- Get vaccinated with rotavirus vaccine according to the schedule given by the doctor