Rotavirus gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and bowel. The most common symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting.

Gastroenteritis can have a number of causes, such as a norovirus infection or food poisoning. However, in children, the rotavirus is the leading cause.

Rotavirus

A rotavirus is a virus that infects the stomach and bowel, and is spread by infected children who do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet. They may then leave tiny samples of infected faeces on surfaces or utensils, which can be picked up by another child. It is also possible for small droplets of infected faeces to be carried in the air, which children can breathe in. 

How common is rotavirus gastroenteritis?

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is extremely common in children. It is estimated that every child will have at least one rotavirus infection before the age of five, with most infections occurring among children aged between three months and three years old.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is more common during winter and spring months. The first infection tends to be the most severe, because afterwards, the body builds up immunity (resistance) to the virus. This is why rotavirus infections are extremely rare in adults.

The rotavirus is highly contagious among children with no immunity to the virus. Even if your child has had a previous infection, they may not have built up full immunity. There are also different strains of the virus that your child may not have immunity to.

Therefore, it is important to keep an infected child isolated from other children until 48 hours have passed after their last episode of diarrhoea and vomiting.

Outlook

Most cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children are mild and normally pass within five to seven days, without the need for medical treatment. However, children (particularly those under the age of two) are at risk of dehydration, so it is very important to ensure they drink plenty of fluids.

More severe cases of gastroenteritis and associated dehydration may require hospital treatment.

Deaths caused by rotavirus gastroenteritis are extremely rare in the UK.

Glossary

Stomach

The stomach is the sac-like organ of the digestive system. It helps digest food by churning it and mixing it with acids to break it down into smaller pieces.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passing of frequent watery stools when you go to the toilet.

Dehydration

Dehydration is an excessive loss of fluids and minerals from the body.

Contagious

Contagious is when a disease or infection can be easily passed from one person to another.