Rotavirus gastroenteritis is the leading cause of diarrhea-associated hospitalizations and death in children younger than 5 years of age. Rotavirus illness is caused by a virus which enters the body by mouth and infects the intestines. It is a particularly hardy and contagious virus, capable of surviving on inanimate surfaces for long periods and spreading readily from child to child and also to adults.

1. T A C K L I N G
R O T A V I R U S
BY DR. ALLEN CHERER

2. W H A T I S
R O T A V I R U S ?
Rotavirus illness is caused
by a virus which enters the
body by mouth and infects
the intestines. It is a
particularly hardy and
contagious virus, capable
of surviving on inanimate
surfaces for long periods
and spreading readily from
child to child and also to
adults.

3. S Y M P T O M S O F
R O T A V I R U S
This illness is characterized by symptoms that last 3-7
days, including:
fever
vomiting
watery diarrhea
Additionally, death may ensue due to severe dehydration.

4. T R E A T M E N T F O R
R O T A V I R U S
Since the infection is caused by a virus,
antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs are
ineffective, and care is primarily
supportive.
The first rotavirus vaccine, RotaShield
(Wyeth Laboratories) was licensed in the
United States in 1998 but was withdrawn
in 1999.
Now, Rotateq and Rotarix are the
prevailing vaccines.

5. T R E A T M E N T E F F I C A C Y
AROUND THE GLOBE
8 0 - 9 0 % 6 1 % 3 7 %
in middle- to high-
income countries
in countries where
rotavirus infection
is greatest
in low-income
countries

6. M A K I N G
T R E A T M E N T S
A C C E S S I B L E
A new vaccine, BRV-PV
(Rotasil), was designed for
patients in low-income
countries.
Cost relative
Is heat stable for as long as 6 months
at 104 degrees F.
Is heat stable for 2 years at 98.6
degrees F.
Was found to have a calculated
efficacy rate of 67% with no apparent
short term adverse events

7. F O R M O R E
v i s i t d r a l l e n c h e r e r . c o m