Unlike the other few viruses we’ve been describing this week, which all were all but almost harmless, the rotavirus is actually known as the big baddie in the world of pediatric medicine. It’s a not very well-known fact, that preceding the introduction of an effective vaccine, rotavirus was the top cause of diarrhea-related fatalities among the young children aged 0 to 6 in the US.
While some diseases are known (and feared) for their horrific symptoms, others, just like the Fifth Disease are known more for their weirdo names. By the way, it’s gotten its name because approximately 1 in 5 children US-wide tends to catch it at some point of the ages 0-11. In short, the disease, also known as the “slapped cheek” disease, most typically ends up with one distinct visual symptom of inconvenience – a bright red rash on a kid’s face or one of the cheeks. A rash may also be visible on the torso, arms, or legs.
