Which of the following best describes the symptoms of Rotavirus infection?

Which of the following best describes the symptoms of Rotavirus infection?

• A. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, primarily in children 6 months to 2 years
• B. Bloody diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, absence of fever
• C. Jaundice
• D. Cough and runny nose

Answer: (A)

Rotavirus infection typically causes acute gastroenteritis in young children, most often presenting with non-bloody, watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and fever. This pattern plus the age range—children around 6 months to 2 years—fits the common clinical picture, since babies have waning maternal antibodies and developing immunity. Vomiting and fever help distinguish it from purely diarrheal illnesses, and the absence of blood in the stool helps differentiate it from invasive bacterial infections that cause bloody diarrhea. Jaundice would point to hepatitis or biliary problems, and cough with runny nose are more characteristic of respiratory infections, not rotavirus gastroenteritis. So the description of diarrhea with vomiting and fever in a young child is the best fit.

Rotavirus infection typically causes acute gastroenteritis in young children, most often presenting with non-bloody, watery diarrhea accompanied by vomiting and fever. This pattern plus the age range—children around 6 months to 2 years—fits the common clinical picture, since babies have waning maternal antibodies and developing immunity. Vomiting and fever help distinguish it from purely diarrheal illnesses, and the absence of blood in the stool helps differentiate it from invasive bacterial infections that cause bloody diarrhea. Jaundice would point to hepatitis or biliary problems, and cough with runny nose are more characteristic of respiratory infections, not rotavirus gastroenteritis. So the description of diarrhea with vomiting and fever in a young child is the best fit.