A conference dedicated to the epidemiology and prevention of rotavirus infection in the CIS member states will be held in Minsk on 8-9 June, BelTA learnt from chief epidemiologist of the Belarusian Healthcare Ministry Inna Karaban.

Taking part in the forum will be representatives of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, Healthcare Ministry of Austria, specialists from Belarus, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the US. The agenda will include the latest achievements in the prevention and treatment of rotavirus infection, immunization and other issues.

In January-April 2010, some 3,369 cases of rotavirus infection were registered in Belarus, up almost 50% over the same period a year before, Inna Karaban informed. In the early 1990s, 17 cases per 100,000 people were reported in Belarus every year, while in 2000 the rotavirus incidence rate increased to 74 cases per 100,000 people. According to the World Health Organization, rotavirus causes about half of the 275 million cases of severe diarrhea in children and adults every year.

Rotavirus is most commonly contracted by infants and children under six. By the age of three, nearly 90% of children in the world have been infected with rotavirus. Adults are rarely infected, the disease is typically asymptomatic. However, adults can be carriers of the virus.

Rotavirus infection is an acute and contagious disease caused by rotavirus. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in children and is one of several viruses that cause infections often called stomach flu. Rotavirus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, via contact with contaminated hands, surfaces and objects, and possibly by the respiratory route. Once a child is infected by the virus, there is an incubation period of about two days before symptoms appear. Symptoms often start with vomiting followed by four to eight days of profuse diarrhea. Dehydration is more common in rotavirus infection than in most of those caused by bacterial pathogens, and is the most common cause of death related to rotavirus infection.

By the way, the WHO has set up the Regional Rotavirus Reference Laboratory in Belarus. Its mission is to monitor the circulation of rotavirus in the CIS member states.

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