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Rotavirus Information for the Public
Rotavirus causes severe watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children.
It is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in children.
Children may become dehydrated and need to be hospitalized and can even die.
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Transmission (Spread)
Rotavirus is a gastrointestinal virus that is always in the environment. It is spread in human waste.
You can get rotavirus if you get virus particles in your mouth by:
- Putting your unwashed hands that are contaminated with poop into your mouth.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your fingers in your mouth.
- Eating contaminated fruits and vegetables.
- Drinking contaminated water
Rotavirus spreads easily among young children.
- Infants and young children 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).
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PreventionGood hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.Rotavirus vaccination is the best way to protect your child from rotavirus disease.
- Before your child turns 15 weeks old, they should get the first dose of either rotavirus vaccine.
- Before your child turns 8 months old, they should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine.
The routine vaccination schedule for rotavirus depends on which product is used:
- RotaTeq® (RV5) is given as 3 doses.
- 1st dose: 2 months
- 2nd dose: 4 months
- 3rd dose: 6 months
- Rotarix® (RV1) given as 2 doses.
- 1st dose: 2 months
- 2nd dose: 4 months
Both brands of rotavirus vaccine are given as drops in the mouth.
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Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of rotavirus usually start about 2 days after a person is exposed to the virus. Vomiting and watery diarrhea can last 3 to 8 days.
Most common symptoms:- Severe watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Dehydration
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Crying with few or no tears
- Unusual sleepiness or fussiness
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Risk of Disease
Before vaccination, rotavirus caused:
- 2.7 million illnesses,
- 200,000 emergency department visits,
- 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations, and
- 20 to 60 deaths each year in children younger than age 5 years in the United States.
Half a million children die each year worldwide due to diarrhea caused by rotavirus.
Infection with rotavirus usually does not lead to permanent immunity. Reinfection can occur at any age.
Pink Book Chapter 19: Rotavirus (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Reporting
Rotavirus is not a reportable disease.
Notifiable diseases in Michigan:
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Condition
Michigan's List of Notifiable Diseases 2025 By Pathogen -
Questions About
Get answers to frequently asked questions about rotavirus and the vaccine used to prevent it.
Rotavirus: Questions and Answers (immunize.org)
Ask The Experts About Vaccines: Rotavirus (immunize.org)
Clear Answers and Smart Advice About Your Baby's Shots (immunize.org)
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For More Information
Rotavirus Vaccination
Rotavirus: The Disease & Vaccines (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
Rotavirus Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How Vaccines Work
Video: How Do Vaccines Work? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Spanish version: ¿Cómo funcionan las vacunas? (American Academy of Pediatrics)
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Access Your Immunization Record
If you have been immunized in the State of Michigan, you may be able to download your immunization record from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).
Visit the Michigan Immunization Portal to learn more or contact your healthcare provider.