Rotaviruses

What is a rotavirus infection?

The causative agents of this infection are viruses that cause more than 70% of severe diarrhea in children and infants worldwide, making them the most common cause of intestinal infections in this age group.

Where are rotaviruses found?

The main reservoir for rotaviruses is humans.

How does infection occur?

Rotaviruses are transmitted fecal-orally and by smear infection, but also through food,drinking water and objects. They are often the cause of infections (hospital e.g. neonatal unit) or in children's facilities. The incubation period (time from ingestion of the pathogens to illness) is 1 to 3 days.

Duration of contagiousness

Contagiousness exists during the acute stage of the disease and as long as the virus is excreted in the stool.

What are the symptoms?

The disease begins acutely with watery diarrhea and vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Complaints of the respiratory tract can be observed.

What countermeasures are possible?

From the sixth week of life, an oral vaccination with two or three vaccine doses is available. Thorough hand disinfection with virus-effective disinfectants is recommended. If there is a cluster of rotavirus infections in institutions, the sources of infection and possible transmission factors must be identified quickly so that the most efficient measures can be taken to prevent further spread. Children may return to schools and other community facilities after clinical symptoms have subsided in accordance with § 34 IfSG (see also leaflet "Re-admission to schools and other community facilities").