Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, often with vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Infants and young children are most likely to get rotavirus disease. They can become severely dehydrated and need to be hospitalized and can even die. Adults who get rotavirus disease tend to have milder symptoms.

The virus spreads by the fecal-oral route; this means the virus is shed by an infected person and then enters a susceptible person’s mouth to cause infection. Rotavirus can be spread by contaminated

Hands
Objects (toys, surfaces)
Food
Water

Rotavirus spreads easily. Good hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important, but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.

Rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect your child against rotavirus illness. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus illness. Rotavirus vaccines are given orally.

Rotavirus vaccines do not prevent diarrhea or vomiting caused by other viruses or pathogens.

The first dose of the vaccine is most effective if it is given before a child is 15 weeks of age..

Children should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine before they turn 8 months old.

Rotariq, available vaccine in Indonesia is given in 2 doses at ages 2 months and 4 months