Astrovirus

Astroviruses are small viruses so named because of their characteristic star-shaped appearence (from the Greek 'astro' meaning star).Astroviruses are small viruses so named because of their characteristic star-shaped appearence (from the Greek 'astro' meaning star).

Astroviruses cause diarrhoea, mainly in children under five years old, though infections are sometimes reported in adults. Infection in childhood is believed to give long-lasting immunity. In children the disease is typically mild and does not usually require medical attention.