Rotavirus

Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children. Nearly universal infection happens by the age of five. It is responsible for up to 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. It is acquired through fecal-oral route, by person-to-person contact or contaminated food or water.
The incubation period is very short, usually less than 48 hours. It is very common to get rotavirus multiple times throughout ones life. The first infection especially if very young being the most severe. Complications include severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and death usually due to multi-system organ failure secondary to severe dehydration.
In the United States prior to vaccine, Rotavirus was responsible for more than 400,000 doctor visits, 200,000 emergency room visits, 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations and 20 to 60 deaths per year. Rotavirus activity in the United States decreased significantly after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in 2006.
The Rotavirus vaccine is given orally and depending on type of vaccine given is administered in two or three doses and is not given after eight months of age. Contraindications include severe allergic reaction to the vaccine component, history of intussusception, and severe immunodeficiency.
Adverse effects of the vaccine include vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, and low-grade fever.