Health care workers can be a vector for this illness. During rotavirus outbreaks, extra vigilance with regard to handwashing and housekeeping, is warranted. The only important complication of rotavirus infection is dehydration. When dehydration leads to shock, multisystem organ failure is possible. As long as adequate hydration is maintained, the prognosis is excellent.
Most children recover within a week of symptom onset.
There are virtually no important long-term sequelae of rotavirus enteritis. As discussed above, it is important that parents know, which fluids should and should not be given, and how to administer these fluids to young children who are vomiting. The discharge instructions should include the signs of dehydration and clear instructions to return, if any of these signs are noticed. These instructions should also warn against the use of very osmolar or very salty fluids for the maintenance of hydration. Inadequate volume resuscitation with associated organ failure.