Which virus is associated with life-threatening diarrhea in children and may be present in sewage backflows?

The virus associated with life-threatening diarrhea in children and that may be present in sewage backflows is Rotavirus. This virus is particularly notorious for causing severe gastroenteritis, especially in infants and young children. It leads to symptoms such as intense diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for this vulnerable age group without prompt medical attention.

Rotavirus spreads easily through the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Therefore, its presence in sewage backflows is concerning because contaminated water can increase the risk of infection to those exposed, particularly in areas where sanitation may be compromised.

When considering the other viruses, while Hepatitis A can also be transmitted through contaminated water, it primarily affects the liver and is less commonly associated with severe diarrhea compared to Rotavirus. Adenovirus can cause gastroenteritis in some cases, but it is not as widely recognized for severe diarrhea, nor is it specifically linked to sewage as Rotavirus is. Norovirus, on the other hand, is also a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis and is prevalent in outbreaks, particularly among adults. However, its primary threat is to the general populace rather than being specifically associated with life-threatening diarrhea in children in the same way that