[Rotavirus infections in Yucatan, Mexico, in 2000].

Objective: To describe the cases of rotavirus infection occurred in Yucatan, Mexico, in the year 2000.

Material And Methods: From January to May 2000, were studied 668 patients with acute infectious diarrhea and their fecal samples. A questionnaire was applied and the samples were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with silver stained. Incidence rates and the frequency of clinical manifestations were calculated.

Results: The cases of rotavirus occurred from January to April 2000. Three hundred-thirty seven (50.45%) samples were positives. The higher incidence rate of 0.70% was observed in infants 6 to 8 months of age. Vomit, nausea and hyperthermia were the more frequent clinical manifestations. Abdominal pain and dehydration occurred in 45.9% and 41.8% of the cases respectively.

Conclusions: Presentation of the cases was similar to the reported by the countries with tempered climate. The risk of becoming ill by rotavirus was greater in the children under 1 year of age. Abdominal pain requires be carefully explored. Surveillance of the cases must be carried out throughout the year.