Guarding infants against Rotavirus: Unmasking its threats

Rotavirus is the most frequent cause of diarrhoea in infants and children worldwide, Thailand included. Millions of babies become sick with rotavirus diarrhoea annually, with high morbidity and mortality. The illness exerts considerable psychological and financial strain on parents and caretakers.

Rotavirus is a double-stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family. It is a contagious virus that spreads predominantly through the faecal-oral route. Clusters of cases often occur in daycare centres, kindergartens, and schools. The virus is stable and viable in the environment on hard surfaces, toys, and doorknobs for an extended time. Children could contract the virus without proper handwashing.

What ages are at risk?

Most children first pick up the virus between three months and three years old. Adults can also catch the virus, though with milder symptoms. Infections are…