Rotavirus illness

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. Before rotavirus vaccine was introduced in 2006, rotavirus was the leading cause of severe diarrhea in U.S. young children. Illnesses like rotavirus can actually be passed from an infected food handler to the product, putting the consumer at significant risk.

People can get infected with rotavirus if they get rotavirus particles in their mouth. The virus is spread from person to person, especially if people with diarrhea do not thoroughly wash their hands after a bowel movement. Infection also can occur if people touch their mouth after touching an object (such as a diaper or toy) contaminated by infected stool.

Rotavirus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Symptoms usually start about two days after a person is exposed to rotavirus. The most common symptoms of rotavirus are severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and/or abdominal pain. Vomiting and watery diarrhea can last three to eight days.

Rotavirus spreads easily among infants and young children. They can spread rotavirus to family members and other people with whom they have close contact. Children are most likely to get rotavirus in the winter and spring (January through June).

Good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, is important. But vaccination is the best way to prevent rotavirus infection.
Rotavirus illness