Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in infants and very young children. Almost every child will have had an infection by the age of five.

It has been estimated that approximately 18,000 children are hospitalised annually in England and Wales due to rotavirus-related disease.

Rotavirus can cause severe vomiting, severe diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms usually last from 3-8 days. Good hygiene is the most important way of preventing the spread of rotavirus.

Adults may become infected, however, repeat infections are generally less severe than infections during childhood.