ROTAVIRUS INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Rotavirus infection is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children. It is caused by the rotavirus, a group of RNA viruses belonging to the Reoviridae family. Rotavirus is characterized by an outer protein coat with interconnected proteins that resemble a wheel, hence the name "rotavirus."
The infection is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, either by direct contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. The virus can survive on various surfaces for long periods, allowing it to easily spread in crowded places such as daycare centers or schools.
Symptoms of rotavirus infection typically appear 1-3 days after exposure and include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, especially in young children, and may require medical attention. Rotavirus infection can be more severe in populations with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The infection is diagnosed through laboratory tests that detect the presence of the virus in stool samples. While there is no specific antiviral treatment for rotavirus infection, prevention is key. Vaccination against rotavirus has proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, and it is recommended as part of routine childhood immunization programs.
Overall, rotavirus infection can be a significant health concern, particularly for infants and young children. Timely vaccination, good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities can help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.
Common Misspellings for ROTAVIRUS INFECTION
- eotavirus infection
- dotavirus infection
- fotavirus infection
- totavirus infection
- 5otavirus infection
- 4otavirus infection
- ritavirus infection
- rktavirus infection
- rltavirus infection
- rptavirus infection
- r0tavirus infection
- r9tavirus infection
- roravirus infection
- rofavirus infection
- rogavirus infection
- royavirus infection
- ro6avirus infection
- ro5avirus infection
- rotzvirus infection
- rotsvirus infection
Etymology of ROTAVIRUS INFECTION
The word "rotavirus" has its roots in Latin and refers to the shape of the virus particle, which resembles a wheel (rota means wheel in Latin). The term "rotavirus" was coined in 1973 when the virus was initially discovered and characterized.
The word "infection" comes from the Latin word "infectio", which means "contamination" or "defilement". It refers to the process of invading the body with a pathogenic microorganism or agent, leading to illness or disease.
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