Overview
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe watery diarrhea in babies and young children, and it was once a leading reason for young children being hospitalised in India. It causes vomiting and profuse watery stools that can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration. There is no specific medicine — the treatment is fluids, ORS and zinc — but a vaccine now given in infancy prevents the worst illness. The key at home is to keep replacing lost fluids.
Symptoms
- Sudden watery diarrhea, often many times a day
- Vomiting, especially early in the illness
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Signs of dehydration — dry mouth, few wet nappies, sunken eyes
When to see a doctor
Give ORS and zinc and see a doctor if a child cannot keep fluids down, passes little urine, or shows signs of dehydration.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- No urine for many hours, sunken eyes, extreme drowsiness, or a baby too weak to feed — signs of severe dehydration, seek care immediately
Causes
The rotavirus, spread through stool on hands, surfaces and contaminated food and water, very easily among young children.