Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children, causing gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s a leading cause of severe diarrhea in this age group, and can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous and require hospitalization.
A new study recently analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s ChildVaxView Interactive Reports and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine average rotavirus vaccination rates across all 50 states among infants and young children.
What Is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a virus that infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation and leading to symptoms like vomiting, watery diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected stool, often through contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
In infants, it can cause fever, severe diarrhea, and vomiting, potentially leading to dehydration. Dehydration can be very dangerous for babies due to their small size. While some children may experience mild symptoms, others can develop severe diarrhea that requires medical attention, including hospitalization.
While most cases are mild and resolve within a week, severe cases can cause dehydration, requiring hospitalization for fluid replacement. The primary concern with rotavirus in babies is preventing dehydration.
If an infant has signs of dehydration (like decreased urination, dry mouth, crying without tears, unusual sleepiness), frequent vomiting, or if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours, it’s important to seek medical help.
Rotavirus is most often spread through a fecal-oral route. This is often because a person does not wash their hands properly or often enough. It can also be caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The virus may live on surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and other hard objects for a long time
Good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, also help reduce the spread of the virus. Additionally, vaccination can be an effective way to prevent rotavirus infection in infants.
State Highlights
- Mississippi ranked first for the state where infants are most vulnerable to Rotavirus, with an average coverage of 63.05%.
- Alaska ranked second with an average coverage of 68.40%, which was followed by Louisiana, ranking third with an average coverage of 70.30%.
- Florida ranks fourth, with an average rotavirus vaccine coverage of 70.48% between 2018 and 2021. This is 6.1% lower than the national average of 76.6. The Sunshine State recorded its lowest rates in 2019 and 2021, both at 69.6%, and peaked in 2020 at 72.3%.
Table of Extended Results
Looking at the study, a spokesperson commented:
“The study reveals that Florida is among the states with the fourth lowest rotavirus vaccine coverage, with rates well below the national average. This highlights serious gaps in child healthcare and a greater risk of rotavirus infections in the region.”
“Limited vaccine access and low coverage leave many children more exposed to preventable diseases. Strengthening vaccination efforts, improving public health education, and expanding access to care are essential steps toward protecting young children in these underserved areas.”
Methodology
The research analyzed the rotavirus vaccine coverage data for each state from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study compared these vaccination figures from 2018 to 2021 to the corresponding states’ total population to identify the top 10 states with the lowest coverage rates for rotavirus vaccinations.
This article was created at the WHN News Desk using some of the information provided by Christine Borg on behalf of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group.
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