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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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While children are the predominant victims of rotavirus infection, adults (often caretakers or parents of these children) may experience the same symptoms of fever (50%-60%), vomiting, and non-bloody diarrhea (both 85%). Studies have shown a broad range of response to rotavirus infection -- all the way from total lack of symptoms to severe illness that may be associated with dehydration and circulatory collapse. Hospitalized patients often have a total duration of disease averaging eight days. As would be expected, those who are less ill and may remain at home tend to have less intense symptoms and generally recover more quickly. Some studies of children with rotavirus infection have pointed out that 30%-50% have respiratory symptoms (runny nose and cough) coexistent with their intestinal manifestations. Other researchers counter that an alternative interpretation of these findings implies two separate but simultaneous illnesses. Adults tend not to experience respiratory symptoms during a rotavirus illness.

Complications of rotavirus infection are relatively rare. Important exceptions are those infections in people with weakened immune systems (premature and newborn infants or the elderly). When access to modern medical supportive care is available (for example, IV solutions) severe morbidity and death are rare. However in developing nations, where such services are scarce or unavailable, rotavirus infection may be life-threatening.

Must Read Articles Related to Rotavirus

Diarrhea Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance. Symptoms ...learn more >>

Fever in Adults A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment ...learn more >>

Fever in Children Fever is defined as a rectal temperature over 100.4 F or 38.0 C. Fever isn't life-threatening unless it is persistently high -- greater than 107 F rectal temper...learn more >>

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