Rotavirus infection Microchapters Home Patient Information Overview Historical Perspective Classification Pathophysiology Causes Differentiating Rotavirus infection from other Diseases Epidemiology and Demographics Risk Factors Screening Natural History, Complications and Prognosis Diagnosis History and Symptoms Physical Examination Laboratory Findings Xray CT scan MRI Ultrasound Other Imaging Findings Other Diagnostic Studies Treatment Medical Therapy Surgery Primary Prevention Secondary Prevention Future or Investigational Therapies Case Studies Case #1 Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web Most recent articles Most cited articles Review articles CME Programs Powerpoint slides Images American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov US National Guidelines Clearinghouse NICE Guidance FDA on Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis CDC on Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis in the news Blogs on Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis Directions to Hospitals Treating Rotavirus infection Risk calculators and risk factors for Rotavirus infection natural history, complications and prognosis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2] ## Overview[edit | edit source] Rotavirus infection is a self-limited disease. It may lead in some cases to dehydration and it is one of the important complications that may occur following the infection. Seizures are also a complication of the rotavirus infection. The disease prognosis is good. ## Natural History[edit | edit source] Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a self-limiting, mild to severe disease characterized by vomiting, watery diarrhea, and low-grade fever. The infective dose is presumed to be 10-100 infectious viral particles. Because a person with rotavirus diarrhea often excretes large numbers of virus (108-1010 infectious particles/ml of feces), infection doses can be readily acquired through contaminated hands, objects, or utensils. Asymptomatic rotavirus excretion has been well documented and may play a role in perpetuating endemic disease.[1] The incubation period ranges from 1-3 days. Symptoms often start with vomiting followed by 4-8 days of diarrhea. Temporary lactose intolerance may occur. Recovery is usually complete. However, severe diarrhea without fluid and electrolyte replacement may result in death. Childhood mortality caused by rotavirus is relatively low in the U.S., with an estimated 100 cases/year, but reaches over 500,000 cases/year worldwide (as of 2005). Association with other enteric pathogens may play a role in the severity of the disease. Clinically, the most severe disease occurs in children under two years of age. ## Complications[edit | edit source] Repeated rotavirus infections may increase the risk of celiac disease in genetically susceptible children. Complications of the rotavirus infection in severe cases include the following: * Dehydration * Seizures ## Prognosis[edit | edit source] Rotavirus infection prognosis is good as the disease is self limited. ## References[edit | edit source] 1. ↑ CDC https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/treatment.html Accessed on May 14, 2017