Viral Zoonoses
A virus is an infective agent that ideally consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat. It is too small to be seen by light microscopy and multiples only inside living cells. It is the link between the living and the non-living. The diseases caused by this infective agent are called viral diseases.
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Rotavirus Infection
Rotavirus is a double stranded RNA virus which appears like a wheel under the microscope. The name of this virus has been derived from the Latin word ‘rota’ which means wheel. These viruses cause diseases very easily in infants and young children. This disease is of major public health importance. It is present throughout the world but is more prominent in under developed and developing nations. It usually attacks the stomach and intestines causing inflammation and results in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, etc. Usually rotaviruses are species specific but cross-transmission has been observed very frequently. These strains are responsible for more than half million deaths all over the world.
Rotavirus is found in the feces of infected people and animals. Transmission can happen via fecaloral routes. It can also happen via contaminated food or objects. The virus can also enter into the environment via feces of infected animals including livestock. Children usually get affected by this virus during winter months. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to Rotavirus infections and can spread to infants and young children.
In humans-
- The symptoms start with fever, vomition and stomach ache.
- They progress to diarrhoea after the first couple of days.
- There is significant lethargy and the desire to drink fluids reduces.
- Stools may or may not contain blood and/or pus.
- Stools can be black in colour.
- Anxiety, reduced urination, dizziness, sore throat and mouth, lethargy are some other
symptoms.
In animals-
- Cats may have mild to moderate diarrhea.
- In severe cases, cats may become dehydrated and dull. They can also die due to extreme weight-loss and lack of willingness to eat.
- The symptoms in dogs are similar to those in cats.
Rotavirus can be diagnosed from the stools by techniques like electron microscopy, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, antigen detection assays, RT-PCR and virus isolation.
The following ways can be used for the prevention of this virus.
- Maintenance of hand hygiene. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coming in contact with animals, cleaning activities, before and after cooking or after eating food.
- Isolation of affected people or animals.
- Sanitary disposal of feces.
- Avoidance of over-crowded areas.
- Regular vaccination of humans.