Rotavirus is a virus that causes acute gastroenteritis, leading to diarrhea and vomiting. It primarily affects children, with most children contracting it at least once before the age of five.
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However, adults can also get infected, although symptoms are usually milder or may not appear at all in healthy individuals. The virus spreads easily through contact with objects contaminated with fecal matter, making transmission common in households, daycare centers, and hospitals.
Dr. Adel Al-Belbisi, head of the National Center for Epidemic and Communicable Disease Control, clarified the nature of the virus that has recently spread in Jordan—characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever—confirming it is "rotavirus" and not linked to watermelon or other fruits.
Common Symptoms in Adults
Symptoms usually begin about two days after exposure. Early signs include mild fever and vomiting, followed by severe watery diarrhea that may last for 3 to 7 days. Other common symptoms include abdominal cramps and loss of appetite.
In healthy adults, symptoms may be mild or even absent. However, severe dehydration can occur due to prolonged diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydrated individuals often experience dry mouth, intense thirst, decreased urination, or altered consciousness (such as drowsiness or dizziness upon standing).
Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems (e.g., diabetes patients, those with chronic illnesses, or individuals on immunosuppressive medications) are more at risk of complications.
Adults who care for young children are also at higher risk, as kids easily spread the virus within the family.
Modes of Transmission
Rotavirus is mainly transmitted via the fecal-oral route. Infected individuals shed large amounts of the virus in their stool, starting two days before symptoms appear and continuing for about ten days after recovery.
Transmission can occur when contaminated hands, tools, or toys come into contact with the mouth. Common examples include consuming food or drink contaminated with an infected person’s feces, or touching doorknobs and toys contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers alone are not sufficient—studies have shown limited effectiveness against rotavirus. The virus can remain infectious on uncleaned surfaces for weeks or even months. Hence, hygiene is the cornerstone of prevention.
Diet During Infection
Treating dehydration is the top priority when dealing with rotavirus. It is crucial to drink plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids. Water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte or homemade sugar-salt solution) are recommended, especially in cases of severe diarrhea or vomiting.
Once appetite improves, the patient can gradually return to a normal diet. Initially, it's best to consume bland, easy-to-digest foods such as boiled white rice, cooked vegetables, bananas, applesauce, plain toast, or crackers.
Yogurt can help support the digestive system, and lean boiled meats can be reintroduced gradually. Maintaining balanced nutrition while focusing on hydration is essential.
Certain foods and drinks should be avoided during infection, as they can worsen diarrhea. These include:
Fatty and sugary foods (e.g., sweets, soft drinks, sweetened juices)
Fried and heavily spiced foods
Caffeine (coffee and strong tea), alcohol, and nicotine—all of which irritate the stomach and intestines
Some individuals may temporarily develop lactose intolerance, so milk and dairy products (except yogurt) should be avoided until the gut recovers.
General Prevention Measures
Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers. Frequent personal hygiene, especially cleaning under fingernails, helps prevent transmission.
Surface Disinfection: Clean contaminated surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, toys, kitchen tools) with disinfectants. Diapers and personal hygiene items used by the patient should be cleaned or disposed of separately.
Avoid Sharing: Do not share eating utensils, cups, or towels with an infected person. It’s best for the sick person and their caregivers to use personal items during the illness.
Vaccination: While there’s no vaccine for adults, the World Health Organization recommends vaccinating all infants with rotavirus vaccines (e.g., Rotarix or RotaTeq). This reduces community spread and protects vulnerable groups like the elderly. The vaccine is not given to children older than 8 months or to adults.
Handling Patients: When caring for a sick child or adult, take precautions when changing diapers or cleaning up. Wash hands thoroughly afterward, and avoid letting the patient prepare food for others until fully recovered.
Medical Recommendations for Dealing with Rotavirus
There is no specific antiviral treatment for rotavirus. Management focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Health institutions (CDC, Mayo Clinic) recommend the following:
Consult a Doctor When Needed: Adults should see a doctor if symptoms persist for more than two days or if severe signs appear—such as frequent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever over 39.4°C, or signs of severe dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, extreme drowsiness). Elderly or chronically ill individuals should not delay seeking care.
Rehydration: The primary medical recommendation is to drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Oral rehydration solutions are particularly useful if diarrhea lasts more than a day. Patients should resume a balanced diet as soon as possible once they start feeling better.
Avoid Inappropriate Medications: Antibiotics do not help in rotavirus infections, as they target bacteria, not viruses. Anti-diarrheal medications (motility inhibitors) are generally not recommended without medical advice, especially for children or the elderly, since the body needs to eliminate the virus and toxins.
Monitoring and Support: In cases of severe dehydration or continuous vomiting, hospitalization and IV fluids may be necessary. It's vital to watch for dehydration signs and act quickly. Doctors recommend rest, hydration, and small, easily digestible meals when tolerated.
In summary, rotavirus in adults usually causes mild symptoms, but should be taken seriously, especially in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Follow medical and official health guidelines: maintain strict personal hygiene, stay hydrated, eat properly, and consult a doctor if warning signs appear.
