What are the characteristics of rotavirus enteritis

Rotavirus enteritis is a relatively common and particularly harmful disease. If not treated in time, it can cause dehydration, and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, if symptoms of rotavirus enteritis appear, patients and their families must not take it lightly. It is imperative to go to a regular hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

1. The incubation period is usually 2 to 3 days, with a minimum of a few hours and a maximum of 1 week. The onset is acute, and the clinical types are diverse, ranging from subclinical infection and mild diarrhea to severe dehydration and death.

2. The main clinical manifestation is diarrhea, with yellow watery discharge without mucus, pus or blood, and large amount, generally 5 to 10 times/day, and more than 20 times/day in severe cases. Most of them are accompanied by fever, with body temperature ranging from 37.9 to 39.5℃. About 30% to 50% of children with the disease in the early stages experience respiratory symptoms. Infected adults have fewer fever and respiratory symptoms than children. Other associated symptoms include abdominal distension, abdominal rumbling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.

3. Adults infected with rotavirus may have symptoms such as general fatigue, aches, dizziness, and headache. Severe diarrhea may cause isotonic dehydration, metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms are more severe in patients who are frail, elderly, or receiving immunosuppressants. The course of diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection is relatively short, generally 3 to 5 days, and most are self-limiting. The course of the disease can be as long as 9 days or longer. Chronic symptomatic diarrhea may occur in immunocompromised patients.

4. There is currently no specific drug treatment. Because the disease is usually mild, short-term and self-limiting, it can usually be treated in an outpatient clinic. The main treatment is symptomatic treatment such as diet therapy and fluid therapy. For people with diarrhea, oral rehydration salts (ORS) are formulated to correct and prevent dehydration. Antimicrobial treatment is ineffective.