Rotavirus outbreak strikes St. John's children
Last Updated: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 | 9:13 AM NT
CBC News
Health officials have reported an outbreak of rotavirus among young children in the St. John's area, with dozens appearing for treatment at a city hospital.
"There's a fairly quick onset, particularly in children, that can cause fairly significant dehydration if it's not addressed fairly quickly," said Dr. David Allison, the medical officer of health in the St. John's region.
Dr. David Allison encouraged parents to keep rotavirus-stricken children home after symptoms subsided.
(CBC)
Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common symptoms of rotavirus, which Allison said appears regularly.
What has made this outbreak significant — prompting an advisory from the Eastern Health regional authority — is that it is mainly affecting young children.
As many as 30 children per day have been seeking treatment at the Janeway Child Health Centre in St. John's since late last week.
"So many kids were presenting over the last few days," Allison said Monday.
"The Janeway tells me they've seen a lot of kids under the age of 10, and that's a different population than I think has been affected by norovirus over the past few months."
Norovirus, often called Norwalk virus, has been a recurring issue in seniors' homes in the city area.
Allison recommended that parents with ill children act quickly to rehydrate their children and consider purchasing special fluids from a neighbourhood pharmacy.
He also recommended keeping children home for one or two days after symptoms have subsided to prevent transmission to other children at schools and preschools.
As well, he said, special attention should be paid to hygiene, particularly handwashing.
