Rotavirus is a microscopic organism that causes diarrhea and other symptoms in human beings, especially children. Rotaviruses usually pass from person to person through contact with objects or people contaminated with the feces (solid waste matter) of infected individuals. The virus can also be passed through contaminated food or drinking water. Rotavirus is a common infection and can occur the year around, especially in tropical areas. In the United States and other countries with a temperate (mild) climate, outbreaks generally peak from late fall to early spring.
Rotaviruses rank as the most common cause of childhood diarrhea. Individuals usually become ill within one to three days after exposure. Symptoms include watery diarrhea lasting three to eight days. The illness may also cause vomiting, fever, and abdominal pains. People can become dehydrated if unable to drink enough to replace liquids lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, the illness requires hospitalization. But most people recover in a few days without treatment.
In regions that lack adequate health care, rotavirus infection causes many thousands of deaths each year, particularly among children. In 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an oral vaccine for rotavirus. The vaccine can help prevent the illness but cannot be used as a treatment once illness has occurred.
