1. Rotavirus

2. Rotavirus is a Viral pathogen that is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children

3. Rotavirus was discovered in 1973 by a team of scientists in Melbourne, Australia that were led by Dr. Ruth Bishop.
Rotavirus. Digital image. NIH. N.p., 19 July Web. 25 Nov <

4. Rotavirus is a member of the Reoviridae virus family

5. It takes about 2 days for symptoms to arise and symptoms usually last 3-8 days

6. Rotavirus is spread by a fecal-oral route via contaminated. - Food
Rotavirus is spread by a fecal-oral route via contaminated - Food -Water -Hands -Objects

7. While rotaviral infections are found worldwide most life threatening cases are in developing countries

8. Rotavirus diagnoses are usually determined symptomatically, but can also be diagnosed by enzyme immunoassay for antigens .

9. There is not a specific drug to treat rotavirus, so is treated by the use of supportive care

10. Proper sanitation and hygiene are important steps to prevention, but Vaccination is the most effective

11. There are currently two vaccines being used
-RotaTeq : 3 doses at 2, 4, & 6 months of age -Rotarix : 2 doses at 2 &4 months of age

12. The use of vaccines has been found to be effective in reducing the number of severe diarrheal and gastroenteritis cases

13. ROTA council and IVAC are two organizations who advocate for the distribution of rotavirus vaccines in developing countries

14. Every child should be given an opportunity to live a full life