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Rotavirus Infection in Children Rotavirus is a germ that infects the small intestines. Rotavirus infection often occurs in the winter months. “It is a common cause of diarrhea in children,” says Claire Wilson, M.D., pediatric gastroenterologist at Kapi`olani. “It is also very contagious.” Only a few tiny germs are needed to pass on the infection. Most rotavirus infections are not serious and last only a few days. But they put children at risk for dehydration, a loss of water from the body. Dr.Wilson adds that frequent hand washing can help prevent rotavirus infection. Common symptoms of rotavirus infection Fever over 100.5 degrees Watery diarrhea Stomach pain or cramping Nausea and vomiting Treatment Most cases of rotavirus get better without treatment. “Antibiotics are not helpful against viral infections,” says Dr. Wilson. “The goal of treatment is to make the child comfortable and to prevent dehydration.” These tips can help: Know the signs of dehydration. If the inside of your child’s mouth is dry or sticky, if there are no tears when your child cries, and if urine output is significantly reduced, you should call your child’s doctor. Do not give your child over-the-counter medications to stop the diarrhea. These can be dangerous. Be sure your child gets plenty of rest. Have your child sip water or suck on ice chips if possible, but don’t give your child only water. This will lead to an imbalance in the body’s salts. Give the child 1 teaspoon of an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte) every 1 to 2 minutes until vomiting stops and the child is able to keep down larger amounts of liquid. Avoid “sports drinks,” which don’t have the right mix of water, sugar and mineral salts, and may make your child worse. Avoid carbonated drinks, Jell-O, and commercial juices. These have high sugar content and can make diarrhea worse. Do not give your child solid food until he or she has not vomited for several hours. When your child is able to eat, start with complex carbohydrates like bread or rice, lean meat, yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables. This is better than the “BRAT” diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast), which restricts nutrition unnecessarily. It is not necessary to restrict dairy products or give them half strength, unless they cause much more diarrhea. Breastfed infants should continue to breastfeed. Preventing rotavirus infection Rotavirus spreads very easily. Most children will be infected with rotavirus at least once in their first five years of life. The virus is passed by hand-to-mouth contact with stool from an infected person. A child can become infected by touching someone’s hand that has been contaminated by the virus. The virus can also be passed by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated by an infected person. The virus then enters a child’s body through contact with the mouth. Children can spread rotavirus both before and after they develop symptoms. These steps may help lessen the chances that you or your child will get or pass on a rotavirus infection: Wash your hands with warm water and soap often, especially after going to the bathroom or diapering your child, and before preparing, serving or eating food. Wash soiled clothing promptly. Disinfect with soap and water or a chlorine-bleach-based cleanser any areas that may have become contaminated. Use diapers with waterproof outer covers or use plastic pants. Keep your sick child home from child care. Prevent contact between the child and those who are sick. Keep food preparation areas clean. Have your child wash his or her hands often, especially before eating. Claire Wilson, M.D. Get medical help right away if your child: Has a fever of 102 degrees or more Has bloody diarrhea Is lethargic Has severe stomach pain Can’t keep down even the small amounts of liquid mentioned above Shows signs of dehydration, such as very dark or very little urine, excessive thirst, dry mouth or dizziness