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Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting in infants and children, but may also affect adults. It can occur at any time of the year but most commonly occurs during the winter and spring months. The rotavirus vaccine can help protect children against severe illness.
Symptoms
Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Additional symptoms may include dehydration and loss of appetite. Illness generally lasts three to eight days.
Symptoms
Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Additional symptoms may include dehydration and loss of appetite. Illness generally lasts three to eight days.
Spread
Rotavirus leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys), contaminated by the stool are placed in the mouth. It can also spread through contaminated food.
Spread
Rotavirus leaves the body through the stool of an infected person and enters another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys), contaminated by the stool are placed in the mouth. It can also spread through contaminated food.
Contagious Period
People who are infected with rotavirus can infect others before their symptoms begin. They are most infectious during the duration of symptoms and for the first three days after they recover.
Contagious Period
People who are infected with rotavirus can infect others before their symptoms begin. They are most infectious during the duration of symptoms and for the first three days after they recover.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care: Until 24 hours after fever and vomiting has stopped and diarrheal conditions are met (see diarrheal exclusions).
School: None, unless the child is not feeling well and/or has diarrhea and needs to use the bathroom frequently. Exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks
Causes
Causes
Rotaviruses
Incubation
Incubation
It takes about one to three days from exposure until symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children, and household members.
Vaccination is recommended at two and four months or two, four, and six months of age, depending on the vaccination given.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Rotavirus.pdf
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