Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
One of the diseases that children often experience is diarrhea. There is a danger of rotavirus diarrhea in children.
This health problem can occur due to various factors, ranging from wrong eating, to exposure to rotavirus.
Rotavirus can indeed cause diarrhea in children. Be careful because this virus can spread quickly. It’s good to recognize the symptoms and dangers of rotavirus diarrhea in children.
Rotavirus danger
Usually, rotavirus begins showing symptoms two or three days after a person is exposed. Quoting the CDC, the most common symptoms are vomiting and watery diarrhea which can last three to eight days.
Other additional symptoms include loss of appetite and dehydration (loss of body fluids), which can be very dangerous for babies and young children.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
– Decreased urination
– Dry mouth and throat
– Crying with little or no tears and
– Unusual fussy sleepiness
Not only that, according to the Mayo Clinic, rotavirus is also a highly contagious virus. For example, when you or your child is exposed to this virus and don’t wash your hands after using the toilet, the virus can spread to any object they touch.
If another person touches unwashed hands or a contaminated object and then touches their mouth, infection can occur. Viruses can be infectious on surfaces that have not been disinfected for weeks or months.
risk factor
Rotavirus infection generally occurs in children aged 3 to 35 months. Especially those who spend time in daycare. Older adults and adults caring for young children also have an increased risk of infection.
Complications
There is a danger of rotavirus diarrhea in children. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in young children. If left untreated, dehydration can become a life-threatening condition regardless of the cause.
Treatment and prevention
To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Especially after you use the toilet, change a child’s diaper or help your child use the toilet.
The World Health Organization also recommends that all countries give infants the rotavirus vaccine. There are two vaccines available:
1. RotaTeq
The vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often at 2, 4 and 6 months. This vaccine is not approved for use in older children or adults.
2. Rotarix
This vaccine is in the form of a liquid which is given in two doses to babies at the age of 2 months and 4 months. The vaccine is considered safe and effective, and research shows that it prevents thousands of children from developing rotavirus each year.
Remember, the dangers of rotavirus diarrhea in children. Therefore, if the child has stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, contact the doctor immediately.
(chs/chs)
