Rotavirus
What is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants and
young children worldwide, resulting in the hospitalization of 5 500 children
under age 5 each year in Canada and the death of over 600 000 children
annually worldwide.
Who is at risk for Rotavirus infection?
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Children who attend childcare centres, children in hospital wards, caretakers and
parents of children in childcare or hospitals, and children and adults with
immunodeficiency-related diseases.
 The highest rate of Rotavirus infection occurs in young children between the ages of 6
months to 3 years.
 95% of children between the ages 3 – 5 years have been infected at least once with
Rotavirus.
What are the symptoms of Rotavirus infection?
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Rotavirus infection can be unpredictable in its course and severity. The severity of
rotavirus infection ranges from no symptoms to severe dehydrating gastroenteritis.
Symptoms of Rotavirus typically include:
o Watery diarrhea
o Abdominal pain
o Vomiting
o Fever
It is not uncommon to have more than 20 episodes of diarrhea and vomiting in a day.
Immunity after infection tends to be incomplete, but repeat infections are often less
severe than the original infection.
The combination of fever, vomiting and diarrhea can result in dehydration,
which may lead to hospitalization in some cases.
How long after infection do symptoms appear?
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Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 days after becoming infected.
How long do symptoms last?
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Rotavirus infection usually begins with vomiting and fever which continue for 2 to 3
days and are followed by diarrhea which can last another 4 to 5 days.
How does Rotavirus spread?
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Rotavirus is found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become
infected with the virus in several ways, including:
o Direct contact with someone who is infected and showing symptoms
o Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with Rotavirus, and then placing
contaminated hand to mouth. Surfaces may become contaminated through
direct contact of an ill person with fecally contaminated hands or when the virus
becomes airborne through vomiting and settles on a surface.
 Rotavirus is very contagious. Rotavirus can survive for long periods of time on toys
and other household surfaces.
 Children can spread Rotavirus from 2 days before they become sick with diarrhea up
to 30 days after infection (for those who are immunocompromised).
How is Rotavirus diagnosed?
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The symptoms of Rotavirus infection are similar to other gastrointestinal illnesses, so
laboratory testing is the only way to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
What should I do if I think I might be infected with Rotavirus?
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See your health care provider.
How is Rotavirus treated?
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No specific treatment is available.
Fluid replacement is important to prevent dehydration.
In some cases, and infant or toddler may need to be treated with IV fluids in hospital.
What can you do to prevent Rotavirus infection?
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Thorough, frequent washing of hands with soap and water. Washing hands is
especially important after toilet visits, changing diapers and before, during and after
preparing food.
WASH HANDS thoroughly before and after visiting people in institutional settings.
Dispose of feces, vomit and contaminated material, such as sheets and towels
carefully, with as little agitation as possible. WASH HANDS thoroughly after handling
soiled items such as laundry and diapers.
Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus
after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
Flush or discard any vomit or stool in the toilet and make sure the surrounding area is
kept clean.
Clean and sanitize washrooms and all hand contact surfaces at least once daily or as
needed using an appropriate germicidal product according to the manufacturer’s
instructions or by using a bleach/water solution of 1 tsp. Household bleach in 2 cups of
water.
Talk to your health care provider about Rotavirus vaccination.
EHU636 (Aug/14)
Adapted from www.rotavirus.ca, and www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/