Why Rotavirus Is Surging Now

There are likely several reasons why the virus has increased in activity recently, although it remains unclear exactly why. Rotavirus has always followed a predictable seasonal trend, typically peaking in late winter and early spring, before declining in summer.

It’s also possible that declining vaccination rates and vaccine hesitancy are contributing to the surge that the U.S. is currently experiencing. According to the latest CDC data, 73.8% of children in America are vaccinated, and that number has steadily declined over the last eight years. Declining vaccination rates have led not just to more rotavirus cases, but also other serious infectious diseases such as measles and whooping cough to resurface.

Symptoms To Watch

Although the virus primarily affects infants and young children, older children and adults who have weakened immune systems can also show symptoms, including fever, abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite and severe watery diarrhea. Most symptoms usually begin two days after exposure and can last anywhere from three to eight days.

The most important complication parents should look for is dehydration. Warning signs for dehydration include dry mouth, few tears, decreased urination, unusual sleepiness, as well as dizziness and irritability.

How To Stay Protected

The best and most effective way to protect your children against rotavirus is through vaccination. According to CDC data, 7 out of 10 children who get the vaccine will be protected from getting infected, and 9 out of 10 will be protected against severe disease. Two oral vaccines are available, either of which are given during infancy as two or three doses.

In addition to the vaccine, parents and educators can help reduce transmission by reminding kids to frequently wash their hands with soap and water and by disinfecting surfaces like doorknobs and toys. Alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against rotavirus when compared to soap and water. Keeping sick children home from school and avoiding sharing food during illness can also slow the spread of disease as well.

Treatment

There are no specific treatments that work against rotavirus, and doctors usually only provide supportive therapy for infected children. This means providing hydration through electrolyte drinks or IV fluids in the case of dehydration, small and frequent feeding and controlling fever with medications like Tylenol. Most cases of rotavirus resolve on their own in about a week, as is the case with most viral infections.

When To Take Your Child To The Hospital

Knowing when to take your child to the hospital can make a huge difference in their recovery and ability to clear the virus from the body. Reasons to go to the hospital would include signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth or minimal urine, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, high fever or worsening symptoms. Children under the age of 5 are at highest risk for dehydration and should be monitored closely.

Rotavirus remains a serious but largely preventable illness with vaccination. For parents and caregivers, the key message is simple: vaccinate early, watch for dehydration and act quickly if symptoms worsen.