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What is Viral Gastroenteritis? |
Viral gastroenteritis is the infection caused by the group A, B and C rotavirus.
Six serological groups have been identified, three of which (groups A, B, and C) infect humans.
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Who is at risk for Viral Gastroenteritis? |
Group A rotavirus is endemic worldwide. It is the leading cause of severe diarrhea among infants and children, and accounts for about half of the cases requiring hospitalization. Over 3 million cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis occur annually in the U.S.
In temperate areas, it occurs primarily in the winter, but in the tropics it occurs throughout the year.
Group B rotavirus, also called adult diarrhea rotavirus or ADRV, has caused major epidemics of severe diarrhea involving millions of persons as a result of sewage contamination of drinking water supplies in China since 1982.
Group C rotavirus has been associated with rare and sporadic cases of diarrhea in children in many countries. However, the first outbreaks were reported from Japan and England.
Sanitary measures adequate for bacteria and parasites seem to be ineffective in endemic control of rotavirus, as similar incidence of rotavirus infection is observed in countries with both high and low health standards.
Humans of all ages are susceptible to rotavirus infection. Children 6 months to 2 years of age, premature infants, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are particularly prone to more severe symptoms caused by infection with group A rotavirus
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How can I become infected with Rotaviruses? |
Rotaviruses are transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Person-to-person spread through contaminated hands is probably the most important means by which rotaviruses are transmitted.
The infective dose is presumed to be 10-100 infectious viral particles. Because a person with rotavirus diarrhea often excretes large numbers of virus (108-1010 infectious particles/ml of feces), infection doses can be readily acquired through contaminated hands, objects, or utensils.Infected food handlers may contaminate foods that require handling and no further cooking, such as salads, fruits, and hors d'oeuvres.
Asymptomatic rotavirus excretion has been well documented and may play a role in perpetuating endemic disease.Rotaviruses are quite stable in the environment and have been found in estuary samples at levels as high as 1-5 infectious particles/gal,so contamination of drinking water supplies or contaminated food with such water is another infection way.
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What are the signs and symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis? |
Symptoms often start with vomiting followed by 4-8 days of diarrhea. Temporary lactose intolerance may occur.
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If I swallowed rotaviruses, how quickly would I become sick? |
The incubation period ranges from 1-3 days.
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What should I do if I think I have Viral Gastroenteritis? |
See your health care provider.
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How is Viral Gastroenteritis diagnosed? |
Specific diagnosis of the disease is made by identification of the virus in the patient's stool. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is the test most widely used to screen clinical specimens, and several commercial kits are available for group A rotavirus. Electron microscopy (EM) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) are used in some laboratories in addition or as an alternative to EIA. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been developed to detect and identify all three groups of human rotaviruses.
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How is Viral Gastroenteritis treated? |
Most infections are self-limiting and are not treated with antibiotics.Recovery is usually complete.
However, severe diarrhea without fluid and electrolyte replacement may result in death. Childhood mortality caused by rotavirus reaches almost 1 million cases/year worldwide. Association with other enteric pathogens may play a role in the severity of the disease.
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I am going to travel to a country that has poor sanitary conditions. What should I eat and drink there so I will not become infected with rotaviruses? |
Travelers to developing countries are advised to follow the precautions included under "Risks From Food and Drink For travelers to developing countries".
Avoid drinking tap water if it is unsafe.
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Should I be concerned about spreading infection to the rest of my household? |
Yes. However, the risk of spreading infection is low if the infected person has good personal hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food.
This fact sheet is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have another one, consult a health care provider.
