Rotavirus cases on the rise in region
Vaccination best prevention against virus, say doctors Byline: Mansfield
Doctors in Pennsylvania are observing a rise in cases of rotavirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, primarily in children.
Children tend to experience worse symptoms than adults, and the virus can lead to severe dehydration.
While rotavirus is a seasonal virus seen every year, Dr. Joe Aracri, system chair of pediatrics with AHN Pediatric Institute, noted a slight rise in cases this year, with the virus appearing later than usual and leading to an increase in emergency room visits.
“It’s highly, highly contagious and can live on hard surfaces up to a month,” said Aracri. “Once someone in a family gets it, it can rip through the family. It affects all ages, but babies and small children are most vulnerable because it’s easy for them to dehydrate.”
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, rotavirus – which is spread when a person touches an infected surface, then touches their mouth – used to be a major cause of severe illness among babies and young children in the U.S., responsible for more than 200,000 emergency room visits, up to 70,000 hospitalizations and dozens of deaths each year. Those numbers dropped dramatically after the first oral vaccine was approved 20 years ago.
“The vaccine has to be given starting at 2 months of age, so it’s 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age. It significantly decreases the severity of the illness,” said Aracri.
Doctors emphasize that vaccination is the best prevention against the virus.
Most recent rotavirus outbreaks have been related to low vaccination rates, the NFID said, which is why it is important to make sure children are fully vaccinated.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health urges infants to receive the vaccine.
“Protect your little one from rotavirus,” they shared. “In PA, infants can receive the vaccine at 2 months to help prevent serious vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.”
Aracri said AHN has seen, in general, a slight decrease in childhood vaccinations and an increase in vaccine hesitancy.
There are no specific drugs to treat rotavirus.
Aracri said keeping kids hydrated is essential.
“There’s no true treatment other than keeping kids hydrated. Give them small amounts of fluids over a period of time because if they drink a lot at one time, they’ll throw it up,” he said.
He suggested giving Pedialyte or half-strength Gatorade every 20 minutes for the first hour, then increasing the amount if a child can keep it down.
Signs of dehydration include limpness, listlessness, a dry mouth, not having a wet diaper, or not urinating for a six- to eight-hour period.
Aracri said handwashing and cleaning surfaces can help stop the spread, but the virus is tough to kill.
Most rotaviruses can be treated at home, he said, but advised parents to seek medical attention if a child shows symptoms of dehydration.