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Outbreaks of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among Elderly Adults Background This research paper is an analysis of the article s from the field: outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis among elderly adults in two retirement communities --- Illinois, 2011. Rotavirus is enteric virus that is double stranded and is known to cause severe dehydration especially in children. The article is based on cases of rotavirus infection reported in Illinois. As the article by CDC acknowledges, the epidemiology of rotavirus especially in adults is poorly understood.

The article mentions recently reported cases of rotavirus, which include three residents in a retirement community in Illinois in February 2011, and another case in a retirement community on May 2011. In 1998 to 2000, 263 gastroenteritis outbreaks occurred and only 3 were a consequence of rotavirus. The main predisposing factor is unhygienic conditions. Prevention is through disinfection of environmental surfaces especially those contaminated with fecal matter (“Notes from the field,” 2011).

In relation to the epidemiological triangle (agent, host, and environment) human acts as the reservoir for rotavirus is. The virus is transmitted through ingestion of fecal matter or fomites. Environment wise, the virus is found in temperate regions. The virus is transmitted through indirect contact since it enters the body through ingestion. Host factors that increase the chances of contacting the rotavirus include age whereby the most vulnerable are young children who have increased exposure to the virus.

Additionally, the old people living in care home are at a risk (Anderson & Weber, 2004; (“Notes from the field,” 2011).Predisposing FactorsThe level of immunity affects the risk of infection. The old people and young children have low immunity and are at higher risk of contracting rotavirus. Additionally immune-deficient people have higher chances of contracting the virus. The low infection rates in adults as compare to children shows overall protective immunity is important in preventing infections.

Pre-existing conditions that may increase the rotavirus infection include poor hygiene among residents and or staff in retirement home and care homes. Health Behaviors that can be used to prevent the disease include vaccinations and isolation. Moreover, proper hand washing is crucial in rotavirus infection and outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis (“Notes from the field,” 2011).The external conditions and influences affecting the spread of rotavirus include the waste disposal techniques. Biologically, use of disinfectants helps in elimination of the virus from the surface environment.

The socioeconomic environment within which the virus occurs is mostly amongst poor people where hygiene is likely to be poor. Moreover crowding is likely to be prevalent. The predisposing factors for Rotavirus infection include spending time in home cares or other facilities where hygiene may be poor. Additionally the risk of contracting rotavirus increases during winter and spring (“Notes from the field,” 2011; Anderson & Weber, 2004).Barriers to InterventionThe major barrier to interventions for rotavirus is the lack information regarding rotavirus outbreaks among elderly adults.

This is because most cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis are characterized by diarrhea, which can end without treatment. The disease manifests itself through symptoms that are common even in other diseases. Such symptoms include abdominal cramping, nausea, malaise, fever, and diarrhea. Therefore, it becomes hard to identify the outbreak and use the appropriate interventions. Moreover, les cases occur in adults (Anderson & Weber, 2004).ReferencesAnderson, E., & Weber, S. (2004). Rotavirus infection in adults.

Lancet Infect Dis, Vol 4, 91-99.Notes from the field: outbreaks of rotavirus gastroenteritis among elderly adults in two retirement communities --- Illinois, 2011. (2011). MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 60(42), 1456-1458. Retrieved from CINAHL AN: 2011340996