The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that each year up to 50,000 children and adults are hospitalized because of the virus, and 20 to 40 people die from it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a rotavirus vaccine in fall 1998. It reduces both the likelihood of contracting the virus and the severity of the disease in children who do become infected. I heard there was a vaccine for this illness, and then I heard it was recalled. The vaccine was approved by the FDA in September 1998.
Intussusception occurs when part of the bowel folds into itself, forming a tube.
Full-blown cases are characterized by severe, intermittent abdominal discomfort, alternating with periods of comfort, and sometimes blood and mucus in the stools. In response to this preliminary data, the AAP is calling for temporary suspension of use of the rotavirus vaccine . For more information, check with your child's healthcare provider to see what his or her recommendations are. Read all comments. Keeping your baby healthy is a big job.