How Does Rotavirus Spread And What Should You Do
June 20th, 2007
- An infected child will pass out large amounts of rotavirus out in the stools and if hands are not washed properly, anything that the infected child touches will become contaminated.
- Rotaviruses can spread easily when children touch contaminated objects and put their fingers into their mouths.
- Parents taking care of an infected child can also spread if they do not wash their hands after handling the child’s stools, e.g. during diaper changes.
- Unfortunately, improved hygiene, sanitation and water quality does not stop the virus.
- Parents of children with severe or prolong period of diarrhea or are unable to retain oral feedings should seek medical evaluation.
- Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed throughout. When the child experiences vomitting, feed smaller amounts but increase frequency.
- Children with mild to moderate dehydration should receive small but frequent amounts of fluid for a few hours until there is good urinary flow, afterwhich they can start to eat normally.
- Children with mild diarrhea but are not dehydrated should continue to eat normally but should receive more fluids.
- Children who vomit will need to eat smaller amounts more frequently.
- Avoid fruit juices and frizzy drinks as they can worsen the diarrhea.
- Frequent hand washing can help contain the spread.
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