An outbreak of gastroenteritis which has reportedly claimed the life of at least one toddler in Jamaica has sparked concern among parents.
The toddler is believed to have died at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St James, and reports are that up to 200 children have presented at the Bustamante Hospital for Children in St Andrew with symptoms of vomiting, fever and diarrhoea.
To help allay your fears, our resident pediatrician, Dr Ilana Dickson has detailed the signs and symptoms, treatment, risks and details of the Rotavirus vaccine.
What is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a very contagious viral infection that causes gastroenteritis.
It's also known as:
- Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE)
- Stomach Bug
- Stomach Flu
- Flu Bug
- Running Belly
Is Rotavirus going around Jamaica?
Yup, you bet!
In addition to cold and flu season, it is also 'gastro' season!
What is Gastroenteritis and what does it cause?
Diarrhea +/- vomiting
Who can catch Rotavirus?
Babies and toddlers are most prone to catching Rotavirus and becoming severely dehydrated.
However, anyone can catch it and spread it even if they may have no symptoms
It is also important to note that there are several other germs that can cause gastroenteritis.
But Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in babies and toddlers
What can happen to my child if they catch Rotavirus?
Diarrhea +/- vomiting can cause excessive fluid losses that can lead to dehydration.
Signs and symptoms of Rotavirus and dehydration
- Bellyache
- Refusal to drink
- Fever
- Diaper rash
- Decreased or tears
- Dark +/- decreased urine output (i.e., wet diapers)
- Bloody stools
- Sunken eyes
- “Doughy” skin
- Listlessness
- Lethargy
How can becoming dehydrated become dangerous?
When you say that someone is dehydrated, it means that ongoing fluid losses (such as diarrhea and/or vomiting) can lead to the dysfunction of the body’s vital organs (such as kidneys).
If your child’s excessive ongoing fluid losses are not treated properly (with oral fluids), it can lead to severe dehydration, also known as hypovolemic shock.
What is Hypovolemic Shock?
This is a state in which several of the body’s vital organs have started to shut down.
If hypovolemic shock is not aggressively treated via IVF therapy (intra-venous-fluids), it can lead to death
How should I treat my child who may have Rotavirus or another diarrhea causing illness?
By administering the following:
- World Health Organization (WHO) approved oral rehydration solutions/salts (ORS) that must be prepared by mixing them with sterile water exactly as directed on the packet
- Pre-made “pediatric electrolyte solutions” (such as Pedialyte) or Kisko Pops (Pedialyte Freezer pops)
Both options are usually available at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
It is not recommended that you make your own “homemade” ORS at home — this can be dangerous if it is not mixed 100% correctly.
WHO has only approved the commercially-prepared options as listed above.
Can’t I just treat diarrhea with coconut water or diluted juice?
Yes, in the early stages, this is recommended.
However, once your child starts experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of dehydration, it is critical that you start ORS and contact your paediatrician.
What else can I give my child?
- Breastmilk or formula
- If hungry, regular diet – avoiding anything greasy, fried or sugary
- Fever medication such as Panadol (paracetamol) –
- It’s best to avoid medications such as Cataflam or Advil during this illness
- Lots and lots of TLC (tender-loving-care)
How can I prevent my child from catching Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is easily spread via body fluids, such as saliva and feces, so vigilance around handwashing and sanitizing of surfaces, toys, etc. decreases the chances of catching the virus.
However, as we all know, babies and toddlers love to share bodily fluids, drinks, food, toys, etc and that can make it challenging to keep them (and you) from coming in contact with this virus (as well as every other infection that may cause gastroenteritis)
I call this “Sharing the Love”
Is there a vaccine for Rotavirus?
Yes!!!
There is a 2-dose or 3-dose series of the Rotavirus vaccine available, which is an oral vaccine also known as “RV”.
Both series must be administered in the first six months of life.
Where can my child get the RV?
With me here at Ruthven Medical Centre in Kingston.
We almost always have the 2-dose RV called “Rotarix” in stock; however, the 3-dose RV called “Rotateq” can be made available by pre-order/pre-pay at our clinic.
Rotarix is a 2-dose series and Rotateq is a 3-dose series.
Both vaccines are offered in the USA though every clinic varies as to which one they have available.
If your baby has started one of the RV series, it’s imperative that they complete it with the same brand.
There are several other private clinics in Jamaica that offer this vaccine as well, so it’s always good to call in advance to find out if it is in in stock/available.
Dr. Ilana Dickson is a paediatric consultant who works from Ruthven Medical Centre on 4 Ruthven Road, New Kingston.
You may call the office @876-920-0267-72 to schedule an appointment, or reach out to her directly via WhatsApp @876-553-3983. You can also follow her on Instagram @doc_dee95!