Protect kids from rotavirus, parents told

World-renowned pediatricians and infectious disease specialists recently joined forces to urge Asian parents to protect their children from rotavirus disease, a viral infection which causes severe vomiting, fever, and diarrhea among young children. If not properly managed, the disease can cause severe dehydration which can eventually lead to death.

"Rotavirus is everywhere and is universal. It affects children all over the world, whether they are rich or poor," said Dr. Lulu Bravo, professor and chief of infectious and tropical diseases of the Department of Pediatrics of the University of the Philippines’ College of Medicine.

"The incidence of rotavirus infection is similar in both developed and developing countries. This implies that improvements in hygiene, water supply and sanitation and healthcare cannot effectively protect a child against infection," Bravo said.

Studies show that the youngest infants are at highest risk for the most severe cases of rotavirus diarrhea, with the peak incidence of the disease occurring between six and 24 months.

However, children in developing countries are frequently infected at a younger age – from as young as three months.

Professor Tony Nelson of the Department of Pediatrics, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who also leads the Asian Rotavirus Surveillance Network (ARSN) in Hong Kong, said, "Rotavirus infections pose immense emotional stress to parents and suffering to babies and toddlers. In addition, there is a significant economic burden arising from treatment cost and loss of work days as a result of parents taking time off to care for their children."

Studies show that 96 percent and 77 percent of rotavirus-infected children will suffer from vomiting and fever, respectively, and symptoms may last from three to nine days.

In severe rotavirus gastroenteritis cases, diarrhea can occur from 10 to 20 times per day, and can last up to three weeks.

Bravo said, "At present, there is no treatment for rotavirus infections. What is available is only symptom relief to help replenish fluids for babies suffering from diarrhea, plus vomiting and dehydration."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the development of rotavirus vaccines as a top public health priority, and medical scientists around the world have been working hard to develop a vaccine which effectively protects children from rotavirus disease. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a leading research-based pharmaceutical company, is at the forefront of efforts to develop a new vaccine for rotavirus infection.