Warning on diarrhea vaccine for infants

MSNBC.com [1] is reporting that twisting of the intestines hsa been reported after babies received RotaTeq (by Merck) rotavirus shots.

The government warned doctors and parents Tuesday of reports of potentially life-threatening twisting of the intestines in infants vaccinated against a virus that is the leading cause of early childhood diarrhea.

The condition, called intussusception, is the same that led to the withdrawal of the first rotavirus vaccine eight years ago.

The Food and Drug Administration said it was unknown whether the recently approved vaccine, called RotaTeq, caused the 28 new cases. The condition also can occur spontaneously.

About 3.5 million doses have been shipped by Merck, although not all of the supply has been administered. According to the AP 2.7 million children are sickened by the rotavirus with 70,000 resulting in hospital visits. Sadly, there are 20-70 deaths each year from the virus.