THE Shenzhen Children’s Hospital said that it had received an increasing number of children as patients suffering from seasonal diarrhea since early November, Southcn.com reported.

    A doctor with the hospital, Zhou Gaofeng, said that more children were affected by enteritidis in autumn and winter because rotavirus is more active during cool days. Children become more vulnerable to the virus at this time of the year.

    Rotavirus affects people of all ages. But children younger than 5 years old, and especially infants under 2 years old, are more likely to be affected by the virus. Apart from diarrhea, sick children might also suffer from vomiting and fever among other symptoms.

    The disease caused by rotavirus is usually self-limiting, and severe illness is rare. It is not usually dangerous, and most people who contract it make a full recovery in a few days.

    However, parents should stay vigilant if their children suffer from serious diarrhea, because it could possibly lead to dehydration, according to Zhou.

    Rotavirus is normally spread through contaminated food or objects. Young children and infants have weaker immune systems so if they come in contact with objects or food that have rotavirus, they can easily be affected.

    The doctor said that parents, in most cases, don’t need to be overanxious as long as their children can still drink water and maintains a good mental state. Parents need to make sure their sick children drink enough water and take oral re-hydration salts, which can be found at regular pharmacies. (Zhang Qian)

Hospital sees growing number of children with diarrhea