Pinoy docs form alliance to fight rotavirus infection

A group of doctors has formed an alliance to intensify the fight against rotavirus infection, a disease that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting among infants and children.

Called RotaPhil (Rotavirus Working Group for Training and Advocacy of Healthcare Personnel in the Philippines), the alliance is part of an effort to heighten awareness about rotavirus infection and to educate the public about the possible risks and consequences, among them death due to dehydration, if the disease is not properly managed.

According to Dr. Lulu Bravo, RotaPhil chairwoman and a professor of pediatrics at the University of the Philippines-Manila College of Medicine, rotavirus infection accounts for 25 percent of an estimated 500,000 diarrheal deaths every year in developing countries, among them the Philippines.

Studies have also shown that approximately 139 million cases of gastroenteritis, 25 million clinic visits and two million hospitalizations are attributable to rotavirus infection. Those at greatest risk are children between six months to two years of age.

Rotavirus infection is caused by rotavirus, a wheel-shaped virus that is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for long periods of time.

It is usually transmitted from the stool of an infected person. After an incubation period of two to seven days, there could be an abrupt onset of nausea, vomiting and fever, followed by severe watery diarrhea that could lead to dehydration and even death.

What is particularly dangerous about rotavirus infection is the fact that improved hygiene such as frequent hand washing, regular disinfection of toys and rigorous cleaning of play areas are not likely to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Such is the virulence of the disease that even the World Health Organization has identified the development of a vaccine against rotavirus as one of its top public health priorities.

As the saying goes, prevention is much better than cure, thus, vaccination is the better alternative to provide broad and early protection against rotavirus infection.

Part of RotaPhil’s initial efforts to spread awareness about rotavirus infection is the production of a handbook that provides essential facts about rotavirus, and how to properly manage and prevent the disease.

The handbook will also serve as a quick reference for medical students, general practitioners and healthcare workers involved in the care of infants and children.

RotaPhil is composed of specialists in pediatric care who have extensive experience in the field of gastroenterology and infectious diseases.

Its other members include Drs. Juliet Sio-Aguilar, Celia Carlos, Sally Gatchalian, Felizardo Gatcheco, Lourdes Genuino, Jossie Rogacion, and Eric Tayag.