Rotavirus at sea: how to protect yourself, prevention, symptoms, treatment

infectious disease doctor at the Federal Clinical Center of FMBA of Russia

“One of the infectious diseases associated with summer vacation is rotavirus. The disease affects the gastrointestinal tract. The source of infection is a virus of the same name, which is transmitted through the digestive system.”

Quite often adults and children are faced with rotavirus at sea resorts during a long-awaited vacation. It is not uncommon when you can not cope with the disease on your own and instead of rest you have to restore your health in a hospital inpatient unit.

Causes of infection

Causes of infection of tourists are large crowds of people on the beach, when it is impossible to avoid close contact. At the same time, it is not always possible to carefully observe hygiene: catering facilities work with a large flow of visitors, and the vacationers themselves abuse street food.

There are several main ways of transmission of viral infection. Most often, infection occurs through water. The fact is that the virus is stable in the external environment. It remains active in salty sea water, in fresh rivers that flow into the sea, as well as in swimming pools, where hundreds of people a day pass through a small amount of water. The situation is aggravated by the discharge of sewage into water bodies. At the same time, the salt level in the Azov and Black Seas is low enough, so the pathogenic properties of viruses remain in full force.

Lack of hygiene is another way of infection.

Rotavirus spreads through unwashed hands, fruits and vegetables. It is dangerous to buy food on the beach, as well as to visit public toilets, where there is no thorough sanitation. The contact and domestic way of transmission of the virus is also associated with infected objects: dishes, towels. It is important to remember that the quality of tap water is not always high. Therefore, it is better to use bottled water for drinking, washing dishes, vegetables, fruits and cooking.

A special role in the transmission of rotavirus is played by the sanitary and hygienic conditions of cafes, restaurants, hotels and inns. If the organizers of the rest save on cleanliness, they can significantly worsen the health of tourists and spoil the long-awaited rest.

With special care at sea should be consumed milk and dairy products. When preparing baby formula, it is necessary to carefully observe the rules of sterilization.

Symptoms and consequences

Rotavirus, as a rule, develops rapidly. The most common symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Such signs are characteristic of many intestinal infections. However, rotavirus has some characteristic features.

Fever usually lasts no more than two to three days. Feces with diarrhea become increasingly watery. The disease is especially difficult for children. Babies experience abdominal pain, bloating and rumbling. Rotavirus is dangerous dehydration. The younger the child, the faster it develops.

In addition to fluid loss, a serious complication of the disease is secondary bacteremia and candidemia. The penetration of bacteria and fungi into the blood can lead to the development of aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, bronchopneumonia, as well as cause acute renal failure.

Dehydration of a severe stage can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness, encephalopathy. This is due to a decrease in the amount of sodium in the blood. If a person has a genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes, rotavirus can provoke it.

Prevention of rotavirus at sea

Careful preparation for a vacation at sea will help to avoid infection. First of all, it is necessary to organize a safe diet for the whole family. Do not buy products in dubious places, on the street and beaches. You should drink only clean water, even after the filter it must be boiled. Fruits, vegetables and berries should be thoroughly washed. Hygiene skills should be observed not only by adults, but also by children.

Before eating and after toileting you should wash your hands with soap and water, it is forbidden to use common utensils and household items. Always have antibacterial wet wipes and antiseptics on hand.

It is important to eat only fresh food, for complementary feeding of children under a year it is better to use food of industrial production. Since rotavirus is the most dangerous for babies, it is recommended to immunize against the infection in the first year of life. It will protect the child for up to five years and ease the course of the disease in subsequent years.

If you are planning a trip to the sea, it is necessary to collect a first-aid kit taking into account the possible infection with rotavirus. Its contents are better to discuss with a therapist or pediatrician. This will allow you to provide first aid from the very beginning of the disease. It is important to remember that self-treatment of children is dangerous for their lives, since the child’s body quickly loses fluid.

What to do if you suspect infection?

It is necessary to contact a doctor at the first opportunity. While waiting for medical help, it is necessary to replenish the water level, giving fluids often, but little by little. In addition, it is necessary to normalize the balance of electrolytes. Withdrawal of toxins from the body will help sorbents. Antipyretics are necessary in case of fever. If the doctor insists on inpatient treatment, do not refuse.

Like any other disease, intestinal infection is easier to prevent. In compliance with preventive measures, vacation at sea will strengthen the immune system for the whole year and will give only joyful impressions.