gastrointestinal disorders
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis
Introduction
Rotavirus is the most common cause of sporadic, severe, dehydrating diarrhea in young children worldwide (peak incidence, 3 to 15 months). Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, but polymerase chain reaction testing as part of a multiplex panel for a variety of causes of acute gastroenteritis can be done. Treatment is supportive with oral fluids, but occasionally IV fluids are needed. Rotavirus incidence has decreased by about 80% in the United States since the introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine . Rotavirus is highly contagious; most infections occur by the fecal-oral route. Adults may be infected after close contact with an infected infant. In temperate climates, most infections occur in the winter and spring. In the United States before rotavirus vaccination became available, a wave of rotavirus illness would begin in the Southwest in December and end in the Northeast in April or May. Now, the illness occurs less predictably and can occur year round ( Reference ). Incubation period is 1 to 3 days. (See also Overview of Gastroenteritis .) 