ROTAVIRUS

Rotavirus is an infectious virus that results in diarrhea. The virus is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children globally, leading in approximately 215,000 deaths per year. Rotavirus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. While these symptoms can be treated, there is no known cure for the virus. Extra fluids are typically recommended to prevent dehydration, which can be a complication of the virus and cause death. If adults contract rotavirus, they usually present mild or no symptoms. There are two vaccines to prevent rotavirus, though children who have been vaccinated may still contract the illness.