| Rotavirus and Drinking Water from Private Wells
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What is rotavirus?
Rotaviruses are wheel-shaped ("rota-") viruses that cause intestinal
illnesses.� It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants
and children; about 55,000 children are hospitalized from rotavirus
infections each year in the United States.� Each year, more than 600,000
children die from rotavirus infections worldwide.� However, most of
these cases are not caused by drinking contaminated water.�
How can I become infected
with rotavirus?
Rotavirus infection is usually
spread from person to person.� You can become sick by accidentally eating
or drinking something contaminated with the feces of an infected person.�
The virus can also spread through respiratory secretions and other body
fluids.
Where and how does rotavirus get into drinking water?
Rotaviruses
are found in every part of the United States and throughout the world.�
The virus may be found in water sources such as private wells that have
been contaminated with the feces from infected humans.� Waste can enter
the water through various ways, including sewage overflows or sewage systems
that are not working properly.�
What are the symptoms
of rotavirus infections?
Rotavirus infections usually
take place in the winter.� The most common symptoms of rotavirus infections
are vomiting and watery diarrhea.� Abdominal cramps and fever often occur,
too.� Symptoms usually appear within 2 days after swallowing contaminated
water, and will last for 3-8 days.� You will usually recover without serious
or long-term health effects.�
What should I do if I
think I have a rotavirus infection?
See your health care provider
to discuss your concerns.
How is a rotavirus infection
diagnosed?
Laboratory tests will determine
if rotavirus is the cause of illness.� These tests work by identifying the
virus in the stools of an infected person.� Sometimes they are not performed
unless the laboratory is instructed specifically to look for the virus.��
What is the treatment for a rotavirus infection?
There is no specific treatment available.�
To prevent dehydration, you should drink plenty of fluids as long as the
diarrhea lasts.� In some cases, the infection will go away without any treatment.
Consult with your health care provider.
How
do I remove rotavirus from my drinking water?
Fully boiling your water
for 1 minute (3 minutes if you live in a high altitude) will kill or inactivate
rotaviruses.� Water should then be stored in a clean container with a lid
and refrigerated.
Because
of the small size of the virus, using a point-of-use filter will not
remove it from water.�
You may also disinfect your well.� Contact your local health
department for recommended procedures.� Remember to have your well water
tested periodically after disinfection to make sure the problem does not
happen again.
Revised Summer 2003
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