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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Rotavirus infection facts
• What is rotavirus?
• What causes rotavirus infection?
• What are risk factors for rotavirus infection?
• What are rotavirus symptoms and signs?
• How is rotavirus infection spread?
• How is rotavirus infection diagnosed?
• How is rotavirus infection treated?
• What is the prognosis of rotavirus infection?
• Can rotavirus infection be prevented with a vaccine? Are any side effects associated with the rotavirus vaccine?
• Patient Comments: Rotavirus - Describe Your Experience
• Patient Comments: Rotavirus - Symptoms
• Find a local Pediatrician in your town
• Rotavirus Index

Rotavirus infection is a self-limited disease that resolves after three to nine days of symptoms. Rarely, severe dehydration accompanying rotavirus infection has led to death. Recognition of the condition and proper supportive treatment (rehydration) can prevent serious complications.

Because the virus is so prevalent, it is very difficult or even impossible to prevent rotavirus infection in unvaccinated people. Even places with excellent standards of hygiene and sanitation can become contaminated. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure.

An older vaccine to prevent rotavirus was withdrawn due to adverse side effects. In August 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a live virus vaccine for use in children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. However, this recommendation was withdrawn in October 1999 because the vaccine appeared to increase the risk of intussusception (the prolapse or telescoping of a portion of the intestine into the immediately adjacent portion of the intestine). The vaccine known as RotaShield was withdrawn from the market in 1999.

However, in February 2006, the FDA approved a different rotavirus vaccine. This vaccine RotaTeq is a live oral vaccine for use in children. Three doses of the rotavirus vaccine are recommended at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Another vaccine, Rotarix, was approved by the FDA in 2008. Rotarix is another oral vaccine against rotavirus bowel infection (gastroenteritis). Two doses of Rotarix are recommended, at ages 2 and 4 months. Both vaccines are very effective at preventing rotavirus infection, but they will not prevent episodes of diarrhea and vomiting caused by other viruses.

REFERENCES:

Nguyen, David D. "Rotavirus." Medscape.com. May 22, 2012. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/803885-overview>.

United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Rotavirus." Oct. 28, 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/index.html>.