• Transmission: Rotavirus is transmitted primarily by fecal-oral contact,³ although airborne transmission** has also been reported. Rotavirus is highly contagious and remains stable in the environment for long periods of time.^4,5
• Seasonality: In North America, the annual epidemic starts in late fall and tends to end in the spring.^3,6
• Incidence: Virtually every child is infected with rotavirus in the first few years of life.²
• Immunity: Primary infection in children may induce a partially protective response, but multiple infections may be needed to achieve greater protection.⁷

Rotavirus: A Potentially Serious Disease

• Dehydration of at least mild severity occurs in 80% of patients.⁸
• Treatment: There is no antiviral treatment for rotavirus — supportive care based on rehydration is available. Treatments, such as antibiotics, antisecretory drugs, or antiemetics, do not improve, prevent, or reduce symptoms of acute rotavirus infection.^6,9
• Disease Burden/Cost: The cost to society is significant, and the disease can be a burden to families and physicians.¹⁰

Rotavirus: Unpredictable

• Complications: Complications, such as dehydration, can be severe and require immediate treatment.⁸
• Symptoms and Severity: Rotavirus is unpredictable in its course and severity and can lead to rapid deterioration.^8,11
• Rotavirus is typically associated with the following symptoms: fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.^3,11
• The severity of rotavirus infection ranges from asymptomatic infection to severe dehydrating gastroenteritis, which can lead to hospitalization in some cases.^3,8
• Epidemiology/Serotypes: Five serotypes have been shown to cause over 95% of rotavirus infections in Canada.¹² In a particular region, the dominant serotypes may differ from year to year. In the same year, the dominant serotypes may differ regionally.³

* This study tested stool samples from 565 children <5 years of age hospitalized for gastroenteritis between December 1999 and May 2000 in seven community and specialized hospitals in Quebec.

** Ijaz MK at al. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 1994 May;17(2):91-8; Cook MS et al. Bull World Health Organ. 1990;68(2)171-7; Ijaz MK et al. Can J Microbiol. 1985 Aug;31(8):681-5; Sattar SA et al. Appl Environ Microbiol. 1984 Apr;47(4):879-81.