What is rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea (loose stools). Babies and children can get sick quickly because they can lose a lot of fluids from the body. A child with vomiting, diarrhea and fever may become dehydrated (dried out) more quickly.

• The virus is found in the stool (bowel movement), which may be
        watery, green and foul-smelling.
• The virus may be in your child's bowel movements one to three days
        before he gets sick. He may be ill for up to 10 days.
• Rotavirus can affect people of all ages, but it is usually worse in children
        6 to 24 months old.

In infants and young children, rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea. Stomach flu (misnamed because it is not caused by the influenza virus) is caused by several viruses, one of which is rotavirus. There are five types of rotavirus. The most common is rotavirus A. Although rotavirus infections are extremely common, immunity to the specific strain develops following the initial infection. Therefore, subsequent infections result in less severe symptoms.

Rotavirus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, meaning that it is present on unwashed or insufficiently washed hands and is accidentally ingested. Once in the body, it infects cells lining the small intestine and causes symptoms of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Rotavirus accounts for up to 50% of hospitalizations for severe diarrhea in infants and children. Approximately half a million children under the age of five years die from rotavirus each year, with more than two million becoming severely ill. Since 2009, the World Health Organization has recommended the inclusion of rotavirus vaccination in national immunization programs. Prior to the initiation of the rotavirus vaccination program in the United States, it is estimated that rotavirus caused 2.7 million cases of severe gastroenteritis, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 37 deaths yearly. Rotavirus infections generally peak during the winter months, starting in the late fall and ending in the early spring. Of current interest to scientists are the effects of diet, malnutrition, and breast milk on the efficacy of vaccines.

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Rotavirus infection affects the digestive tract and is the most common cause of vomiting and severe diarrhea in babies and young children. Other symptoms include fever and stomach pain.

Rotavirus spreads when a child has oral contact with stool (feces) containing the virus. The infection can also spread if a child touches a surface with rotavirus germs on it and then touches his or her mouth.

A rotavirus infection in babies or young children tends to last for about 3 to 8 days. The infection usually goes away on its own. Sometimes rotavirus infection can lead to severe loss of body fluids (dehydration), which can be life-threatening. Preventing dehydration is an important part of treatment for rotavirus infection.

Rotavirus immunization is recommended for all babies. It helps protect against rotavirus infection.