A Virus Looks Like a Wheel像轮子的病毒/“轮”状病毒
Causative agent
病原体
Rotavirus, which has a characteristic wheel-like appearance under electron microscopy, is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea among children worldwide. The disease is more commonly seen in cooler months.
在电子显微镜下呈轮状的轮状病毒，是全球引起儿童腹泻的最常见病因之一。轮状病毒感染较常见于天气较凉的季节。
Clinical features
病症
The disease is characterised by vomiting and watery diarrhoea for 3 – 7 days. Fever and abdominal pain are also frequently reported.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a self-limiting illness in healthy persons.
However, it is occasionally associated with severe dehydration in young children.
Immunity after infection is incomplete, but re-infections tend to be less severe than the original infection.
主要病征包括呕吐和水状腹泻，情况一般会持续3 – 7 天，患者亦会出现发烧和腹痛。
健康人患上轮状病毒肠胃炎后一般会自行痊愈。
但幼童偶然会出现严重脱水的情况。
患者在病愈后不会产生终生免疫，但再次受感染时病情则会较为轻微。
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Mode of transmission
传播途径
The primary mode of transmission is predominantly faecal-oral.
Transmission can also occur through ingestion of contaminated water or food, or contact with contaminated surface.
Outbreaks can occur among children in day care settings.
主要通过粪口途径传播，也可通过饮用或进食受污染的水或食物，或接触受污染的物件表面传播。日间托儿中心等院舍环境较易出现轮状病毒感染爆发。
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Incubation period
潜伏期
Approximately 24 – 72 hours
约为24 – 72小时
Management
治疗方法
There is no antiviral drug to treat rotavirus infection. Drink plenty of liquids to protect against dehydration . Patient suspected to have dehydration should seek medical advice for proper management.
现时没有抗病毒药物治疗轮状病毒感染。患者应饮用充足的饮料以避免出现脱水。如怀疑出现脱水，应尽快求医接受适当治疗。
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Prevention
预防措施
Prevention of rotavirus infection is similar to other viral gastroenteritis. High standard of personal, food and environmental hygiene should be observed:
预防轮状病毒感染的方法跟其他病毒性胃肠炎相似，市民应维持良好的个人、食物和环境卫生：
💠 Wash hands with liquid soap and water before handling food and eating, after going to toilets, and after changing diapers.
处理食物或进食前、如厕或更换尿片后用碱液和清水洗净双手。
💠 Refrain from work or school, and seek medical advice if one is suffering from symptoms of gastroenteritis such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
有肠胃炎征状（如呕吐或腹泻）的人，切勿上班或上学，并应延医诊治。
💠 Cleanse vomitus / faeces and disinfect the contaminated areas properly and immediately. Keep other people away from the contaminated areas during cleansing.
立即清理呕吐物/粪便，及彻底消毒被污染的地方；清理期间，应安排其他人远离呕吐物及被污染的地方。
💠 Wear gloves and a mask while disposing of or handling vomitus and faeces, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. (Alcohol based hand rub is not effective in eliminating some of viruses that cause gastroenteritis.)
清理或处理呕吐物及粪便时，须戴上手套及口罩，事后必须彻底洗手。（酒精搓手液并不能有效的消灭某些引致肠胃炎的病毒）
💠 Clean and disinfect soiled linens, clothes and environmental surfaces promptly and thoroughly with 1 in 49 diluted household bleach (mixing 1 part of household bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite in 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
被服衣物及环境表面若被污染，应即时用1比49稀释家用漂白水（1份含5.25%次氯酸钠的家用漂白水加入49份清水中）作彻底清洗和消毒，事后并须彻底洗净手。
💠 Wear overalls over diapers to prevent leakage.
为防渗漏，在尿片外穿上罩裤。
💠 There are oral vaccines for infants which can prevent rotavirus infection effectively. Parents can approach their family doctors for further advice and information.
供婴儿使用的口服轮状病毒疫苗能有效预防此感染。家长可向家庭医生查询详情。
（来源：香港卫生防护中心）
统筹：宁可儿
整理：雷未明
美编：lily
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