Ideally, the staff should be segregated as well, so that some staff members care for only the symptomatic children, and some staff members care for the others. Health care workers can be vectors for this illness. Extra vigilance with regard to hand washing and housekeeping is warranted during rotavirus outbreaks. The only important complication of rotavirus infection is dehydration. Multisystem organ failure is possible when dehydration leads to shock.
Most children recover within a week of symptom onset.
Rotavirus enteritis has virtually no important long-term sequelae. Parents must know which fluids should and should not be given and how to administer these fluids to young children who are vomiting. Discharge instructions should include the signs of dehydration and clear instructions to return if any of these signs are noticed. Instructions also should warn against use of very osmolar or very salty fluids for the maintenance of hydration. Rotavirus and other agents of viral gastroenteritis.