Symptoms Of Rotavirus Infection In Babies

By Puruvi Sirohi Singh Tara

In India, the medical know how various diseases and infections are extremely less especially among the new-be mothers. They are unaware of many infections that might affect their child and may result into extremely serious altercations or even death of the infant at times. One such extremely severe infection that is not much talked about but affects nearly 60% of the infants is Rota-virus.

Rota-virus is a virus which causes a severe form of diarrhoea in children up till the age of 5 starting from the moment they are born. This infection is also called as rota-virus gastroenteritis amounting to severe loose motions, gastric and dehydration among children.

Home Remedies For Diarrhoea And Vomiting In Babies

Rota-virus infection in babies often goes unnoticed, mostly because most mothers consider it as a normal outbreak of diarrhoea and avoid consulting the doctors. However, it is extremely essential for all mothers to be aware of this infection and consult the nearest paediatrician on the onset of initial symptoms for further investigation.

In fact, Rota-virus infected babies are one of the highest factors for the infant mortality rate all over the world due to its hidden symptoms and casual outlook. It affects and kills nearly half a million babies all over the world each year. So, for all the new mothers or the mothers of children up till the age of 5, the symptoms of Rota-virus infection in babies are as explained below.

Rotavirus Infection In Babies

Before the symptoms of Rota-virus infection in babies, it is essential for all the mothers to know that the infection is highly contagious and may spread from one child to other by merely touching. If a child comes in contact with another person or child suffering from it in any scenario, they may likely to be affected by the virus.

Often, the health care workers carry the virus due to lack of knowledge about proper hygiene may transfer it to the child. So, it is extremely important to be cautious at all times and places in order to prevent rota-virus infection in babies.

Causes Your Baby May Be Vomiting

The symptoms are….

Rotavirus Infection In Babies

Diarrhoea
The most important marker of rota-virus infection in babies is passing watery or loose motion frequently. It is as if the child is passing only water in his stool.

Fever
Fever generally affects most of the infections in children. It is because of the defense mechanisms followed by the body meanwhile the antibodies are trying to fight off the infection. But, do not let the temperature go high.

Rotavirus Infection In Babies

Vomiting
Vomiting is mostly accompanies with diarrhoea during rota-virus infection in babies.

Nausea
Most children are unable to explain the nausea due to limited vocabulary. However, it is the responsibility of the mother to understand.

Rotavirus Infection In Babies

Abdominal Discomfort
Cramps and pain in the abdominal is another marker.

Cold And Cough Spell
The above symptoms may be accompanied by running nose and cough in babies.

Dehydration
Due to excessive loss of water, dehydration becomes a prime concern.

Rotavirus Infection In Babies

Dryness
Dryness of mouth and tongue is a symptom.

Low Urination
Monitor the number of times the child is urinating since low urination is also an essential feature of the infection. Check diaper regularly.

Other symptoms of the Rota-virus infection in babies, which should be monitored, are…

Irritability or agitation, tiredness and lethargy, deep sunken eyes & restlessness.

Story first published: Saturday, May 23, 2015, 13:33 [IST]
Read more about: kids infection babies