Nursery World - Take the water

Early years practitioners need to be more aware of a highly infectious virus, warns Karen Sullivan Did you know the most common cause of gastroenteritis in young children is caused by an infectious virus - a rotavirus? If not, you're not alone. One study found that 84 per cent of parents had never heard of it, and yet it is responsible for a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis that leads to more than 17,000 children in England and Wales being hospitalised each year. About 14 of those children will die.

Did you know the most common cause of gastroenteritis in young children is caused by an infectious virus - a rotavirus? If not, you're not alone. One study found that 84 per cent of parents had never heard of it, and yet it is responsible for a highly contagious form of gastroenteritis that leads to more than 17,000 children in England and Wales being hospitalised each year. About 14 of those children will die.

The virus is most common in children under age five, with those under two most seriously affected. Practitioners need to be aware it's easily passed between children who share infected toys, put their hands in their mouths after contact with those affected, and even share food or water. In fact, the virus can survive for weeks in drinking or recreational water, and it is resistant to most antiseptics and cleaning products. The biggest number of outbreaks occur during the winter months.

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