Demystifying the rotavirus

Two years ago, Sheila, mother of two-year-old Jeremy, discovered the rotavirus vaccine during a routine visit to the clinic. Since the cost was prohibitive, Sheila gave the drops a pass, despite the nurses’ counsel. She would regret her decision six months later, after her son was hit by a terrible bout of diarrhoea that nearly cost him his life.

Like Sheila, many mothers remain ignorant about this important jab that is responsible for staving off a staggering number of deaths in young children.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year 114 million children aged below five will suffer from rotavirus diarrhoea, with an estimated 610,000 cases ending in death.

During the dry season in Kenya, rotavirus is responsible for up to 80 per cent of the cases of diarrhoea in children in the age group of three months to two years.

The virus can survive for hours on the hands and days on solid surfaces. In human faeces, it remains stable and infectious for up to one week. Because rotavirus is stable in the environment, transmission occurs from person-to-person, ingestion of contaminated water or food and contact with contaminated surfaces such as toys and food preparation counters.

"Transmission is highly efficient and a very low dose of the virus is enough to cause infection and disease", says Nairobi based paediatrician, Dr Zipporah Gatheru.

Children between the ages of three months and two years are the most susceptible and usually suffer severe life-threatening rotavirus diarrhoea.

A rotavirus infection begins with mild to moderate fever and vomiting that could last up to three days. These symptoms are later followed by abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea that usually persists for five to eight days and could be mild and watery or severe, with life-threatening dehydration resulting from fluid loss. Other symptoms include loss of appetite and depression.

"Parents and guardians must watch out for any unusual stool in children and if it is accompanied by pain or vomiting, they must see a doctor immediately", says Dr Gatheru.

Signs of severe dehydration include a decrease in urination, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, unusual drowsiness or fussiness, shrivelled dull skin and a dry, sticky mouth.

To manage rotavirus diarrhoea, give the child lots of fluids. If a child is still breastfeeding, a mother should continue as this will help in re-hydrating the baby. If a child is admitted to hospital, the doctor may put him or her on an intra-venous drip to replace lost fluids.

Children who have been infected once can be re-infected. Recurrent infections are, however, less severe than the first infection. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children, while observing good hygiene will keep it at bay.