What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus causes gastroenteritis in young children leading to fever, diarrhea and vomiting. The virus can live on surfaces for a long time and spreads easily through fecal-oral contact.  It is highly infectious due to high concentrations in stool and prolonged viral shredding, up to 21 days after the illness begins.

Vaccination is only available for children through public health programs.

Prevention

Vaccine names: Rotarix and RotaTeq

Minimum age: 6 weeks

Primary series: Infants receive 2 to 3 doses 4 weeks apart