During
some of my vacations I have volunteered with a group of physicians to set up
free clinics in places like rural India and Malaysia. The people I saw there often
had to walk miles to the nearest hospital and therefore couldn't easily access
healthcare. We educated parents about the importance of vaccinating their
children, recognizing symptoms of the disease (severe diarrhea, vomiting and
fever that lead to dehydration), and the urgency of taking their child to the
hospital if they suspect rotavirus infection. We also addressed misconceptions
about caring for infected children. For example, some mothers stop
breastfeeding since their babies have a hard time keeping food down, but it is crucial
to continue feeding to keep the child hydrated. We also distributed and educated
on the use of oral rehydration solution which is critical in helping address
dehydration. There is still a lot of
work to be done in developing countries, but efforts like these help increase understanding
of the disease, which is a key first step.
In
developing countries, severe dehydration caused by rotavirus disease can
frequently lead to death. In the U.S.,
access to hospitals greatly reduces this risk, and it is rare that children in
the US die from rotavirus disease.
However, rotavirus is not a passing infection; it can be severe and may
cause diarrhea and vomiting and other symptoms that continue for a week to 10
days. Before rotavirus vaccines were available in the U.S., an estimated 2.7
million children younger than five years of age got rotavirus disease every
year. Since 2005 Rotavirus immunization has been one of the routine,
recommended vaccines. Vaccination has significantly reduced incidence of the
disease and related hospitalizations.
In
addition to my professional work, I have had personal experience with Rotavirus
illness as a parent. When my kids were babies, rotavirus vaccines were not yet available.
My son was infected with rotavirus when he was a little over a year old. It was
distressing to be unable to do anything other than treat his symptoms and give
supportive care by keeping him hydrated.
As a parent and a physician, I think it is
important what we all understand the burden of Rotavirus disease and the role vaccines
play in prevention.
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