Rotavirus

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

Once someone has had a rotavirus infection they usually become immune to the virus, so infections in adults are uncommon.

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.