How Do You Spell ROTAVIRUS?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈə͡ʊtɐvˌa͡ɪɹəs] (IPA)

The word "rotavirus" is a combination of "rota-" meaning wheel and "virus" meaning an infectious agent. Using IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation is /roʊtəʊˈveɪrəs/. The "rota-" is pronounced with a long o sound followed by a t and short o sound. The "virus" part is pronounced with a long i sound and a schwa sound followed by the r sound and short u sound. Proper spelling of this word is important as it is a highly contagious virus that affects young children and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.

ROTAVIRUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children, causing severe gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is responsible for a significant portion of childhood diarrheal illnesses worldwide. The name “rotavirus” is derived from its characteristic wheel-shaped appearance under an electron microscope.

    This virus belongs to the Reoviridae family and is classified into several different strains, with the most common being the group A rotavirus. It is transmitted through the oral-fecal route, primarily through direct contact with infected individuals or by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets.

    Upon entering the body, rotavirus infects the cells lining the small intestine, leading to a disruption in the absorption and digestion of nutrients. This results in watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and occasionally abdominal pain. In severe cases, dehydration can occur, requiring hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration.

    Preventive measures mainly involve vaccination, as there is no specific antiviral treatment for rotavirus infection. Several effective vaccines are available, which have significantly reduced the incidence of rotavirus-related hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. Maintaining good personal hygiene, such as regular handwashing, is also crucial in preventing its spread.

    Overall, rotavirus is a viral infection that primarily affects young children, causing severe gastroenteritis. It spreads easily and can result in dehydration, necessitating proper medical care. However, with vaccination and hygienic practices, the impact of rotavirus can be minimized.

Common Misspellings for ROTAVIRUS

Etymology of ROTAVIRUS

The word rotavirus has its etymology rooted in Latin and English. It is formed by combining the Latin word rota, meaning wheel, and the English word virus. The term rota refers to the wheel-like appearance of the virus particle when viewed under an electron microscope. Thus, rotavirus literally means wheel-shaped virus.

Plural form of ROTAVIRUS is ROTAVIRUSES

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