Rotavirus: One of the Most Common Causes of GI Problems in Kids
Rotavirus infection is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems in children in Singapore. In fact, almost all children get infected by the time they are five. They can get it more than once, but the first infection is usually the worst.
 Common symptoms of a rotavirus infection include diarrhoea characterised by watery stools, vomiting and fever. These can be accompanied by nausea, abdominal cramps and a refusal to eat, says Professor Phua Kong Boo, senior consultant at the Gastroenterology Service of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).
Parents should watch out because the infection can get serious. A recent KKH study led by Prof Phua found that rotavirus was the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children below the age of five. Rotavirus accounted for nearly 40 per cent of severe gastroenteritis-related hospitalisations in Singapore.
Prof Phua observes: “The most number of children hospitalised for rotavirus gastroenteritis were aged between 13 and 24 months, followed by those aged 0-12 months. The average hospital stays lasted up to three to four days.”
As rotavirus infection can easily lead to severe dehydration, over 60 per cent of hospitalised children eventually need an intravenous drip for rehydration. “Severe dehydration can be dangerous and life-threatening. The younger the child, the higher the risk,” warns Prof Phua.
Yet most local parents do not know enough about the virus. Actually, up to 40 per cent of parents had never even heard of the rotavirus, according to another KKH study conducted in 2010. So what can parents do?
#1 Understand how rotavirus infections spread
The rotavirus spread mainly through the oral-faecal route. The infection often happens in places where there are many children, such as childcare centres. Germs can easily get onto playing and sleeping areas – like toys, sinks and even doorknobs.
Prof Phua adds: “Rotavirus can also be very resistant, staying alive on contaminated surfaces for days. So keep your baby’s and own hands clean, especially after changing diapers.”
#2 Watch out for dehydration in an infected child
When a child is down with a rotavirus infection, it is crucial to prevent dehydration. “The most important point in managing rotavirus infection is drinking fluid. Rehydration drinks suitable for children to help replace fluids and electrolytes, can also be prescribed, if the doctor finds it necessary,” says Prof Phua. Most importantly, watch out for signs of severe dehydration like a dry mouth and no wet diapers for more than 12 hours. If this happens, send your child to the hospital immediately. Follow the doctor’s advice as closely as possible, change your child’s diapers as soon as they’re soiled and keep him or her comfortable.
#3 Get your baby vaccinated!
In the Asia-Pacific region, rotavirus accounts for the most common cause of diarrhoea and dehydration in young children. An Asia-based study showed vaccination as the most effective public health strategy to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis. The rotavirus vaccine is given orally and needs to be started before the age of 4 months.
In the 2010 KKH study, while 54 per cent of polled parents had heard of rotavirus vaccination, only 17 per cent actually had their babies vaccinated.
“Rotavirus vaccines have been in use worldwide since 2006 and are safe,” says Prof Phua. “Two oral rotavirus vaccines are available. Typically, a baby can either receive two doses of the rotavirus vaccine, up to six months of age or three doses of the other vaccine up to the age of 8 months.” Check with your doctor. |