Rotavirus as a global cause of severe diarrheal disease in children

Rotavirus

Healthcare -- Rotavirus

According to the World Health Organization, Rotavirus is "the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in infants and young children globally." (2013, p.1) There are approximately 527,000 that die each year due to Rotavirus and it is stated that "more than 85% of these deaths occur in Africa, Asia, and other low-income countries with more than two million annually hospitalized due to dehydration that is of a pronounced nature. It is reported as well by the World Health Organization that of the 43 countries that participated in the Global Surveillance Network for Rotavirus in 2009, "36% of hospitalizations for diarrhea among children aged

Description

According to the GAVI Alliance Rotavirus is both common and highly contagious and is a virus that results in "gatstrointestinitis" or "inflammation of the stomach and intestines as well as dehydration and potentially death." (2013, p.1) It is reported that there are four virus families responsible for Rotavirus however, infection by the norovirus family "is implicated in approximately one-third of all viral illnesses causing vomiting and diarrhea. Two other viral families (adenovirus and astrovirus) each cause approximately 5% of intestinal disease." (eMedicine, 2013, p.1)

II. Transmission

Rotavirus is spread through close contact and through the individuals stool as well as being spread by contaminated hands, objects such as surfaces and toys, as well as being spread by food and water. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013, paraphrased)

III. Environmental Factors that Make Individuals Vulnerable

Young children are the most vulnerable individuals to Rotavirus because of the tendency of children to handle toys and other objects and to place those objects or their hands once contaminated into their mouths. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013, paraphrased) Children and adults in locations such as developing countries which lack hospitals and other facilities to treat them from the risk of dying due to hydration are highly vulnerable to this disease. (GAVI Alliance, 2013, paraphrased)

IV. Standard & Alternative Treatment

Standard treatment for the Rotavirus disease includes liquids and often intravenous fluids to prevent hydration. Rotavirus can be managed as an outpatient through ensuring adequate fluid and nutritional intake while the resolution phase takes place.

V. Methods to Control Disease Spread

The spread of the Rotavirus disease involves frequent washing with soap and water and separate diaper changing areas with immediate disposal of soiled diapers in sealed containers. Water purification systems are critical in developing countries for controlling the spread of Rotavirus. (eMedicine, 2013, paraphrased) Failure to control the spread of the Rotavirus disease will results in many unnecessary deaths of children worldwide.

V. Identification of Community Health Promotion and Wellness Strategy to Prevent Disease

According to the GAVI Alliance, the demand for Rotavirus vaccines is high and the vaccination is planned to be provided for approximately 50 million children in the world's 40 poorest countries by the year 2015. The importance of vaccinations against the Rotavirus in developing countries cannot be underestimated. The importance of an understanding of how Rotavirus spreads, the dangers of this disease and what can be done to prevent the spread of this disease is something that is important in every community.