What is rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus is a very contagious viral illness. It can cause severe and life-threatening gastroenteritis ('gastro') in unvaccinated infants.

Rotavirus infection is very common in children under 3 years old. It is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children. With good supportive care, most people recover without complications.

What are the symptoms of rotavirus infection?

The illness usually begins suddenly with vomiting, followed by diarrhoea. About 1 in 3 people with rotavirus also have a fever in the first few days of the illness.

Symptoms typically start 1 to 3 days after infection with rotavirus. They usually last from a few days to a week. Some babies, especially those aged under 3 months, may not show any symptoms.

What causes rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus infection is caused by a virus called rotavirus. It usually spreads by contact with:

• an infected person
• vomit or diarrhoea
• contaminated objects, food or water
• droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes

Rotavirus spreads very easily. It can be passed on between people before symptoms appear.

When should I see a doctor?

Most children recover quickly from rotavirus. It's important to prevent dehydration, especially among young children and babies.

See your doctor if your child is not drinking enough, does not seem to be getting better, or has symptoms such as:

• a high fever
• continuous vomiting or green vomit
• lots of diarrhoea or bloody stools (poo)
• dark yellow or brown urine (wee)
• dry lips or a dry mouth
• dizziness

Signs of dehydration in young children can include:

• less than 3 wet nappies a day
• dry mouth or eyes

How is rotavirus infection diagnosed?

Your doctor will make the diagnosis by asking about your child's symptoms and examining your child. To confirm the diagnosis, a sample of your child's stool (poo) will be tested in a laboratory. If your child is in hospital, doctors may order blood tests as well.

Rotavirus is a nationally notifiable disease. If your child is diagnosed with rotavirus, your doctor or the laboratory will inform your local public health unit. They will ask who your child has been in contact with, to help prevent further spread of the disease.

How is rotavirus infection treated?

Usually, rotavirus infection causes mild symptoms that do not need specific treatment.

If you or your child has rotavirus infection, drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids lost to diarrhoea. It is important to avoid dehydration.

Depending on your child's age and usual diet, you can help them keep up their fluids with:

• rehydration solutions
• water
• breastmilk
• formula

If your child is fussy, you can try giving them diluted fruit juice. Do not give them high sugar drinks — as this can make dehydration worse.

Aim to give your child small drinks frequently — about every 5 minutes. If your child continues to vomit, they may need medicines to stop the vomiting and allow fluids to be absorbed. Your doctor will prescribe these medicines if you need them.

Breastfed babies may need to feed more often to avoid dehydration.

Children under 2 years old sometimes need to go to hospital to treat dehydration.

Can rotavirus infection be prevented?

The best way to prevent rotavirus infection in children is with vaccination.

Australia's National Immunisation Program Schedule recommends rotavirus vaccination for babies under 6 months.

It's important to immunise your baby on time. If they don't have the vaccine on time, they may not be able to be immunised.

Older children and adults should not get the rotavirus vaccine.

What are the recommendations for the rotavirus vaccine?

Vaccination is your child's best protection against rotavirus. See more details about rotavirus vaccination in the table below.

There are 2 different vaccines available against rotavirus. You can talk to your doctor about which one is best for your child.

You can also ask your doctor if your child is eligible for additional free vaccinations based on your situation.

How else can I stop the spread of rotavirus?

There are many ways to prevent the spread of rotavirus.

Practice good hygiene and wash your hands well, especially:

• before handling food
• after using the toilet
• after changing a nappy

Never change a baby's nappy on surfaces where food is prepared or eaten.

Be sure to wash any objects that may have been exposed to rotavirus. Use hot water and soap and allow them to fully dry.

If you or your child has diarrhoea:

• avoid entering a swimming pool
• keep your child home from childcare

Rotavirus is a nationally notifiable disease. If your child is diagnosed with rotavirus, your doctor will tell your local public health unit. They will ask who your child has been in contact with, to help prevent further spread of the disease.

Complications of rotavirus infection

Severe dehydration from rotavirus infection can be life threatening. It can lead to kidney failure and severe problems with electrolytes (body salts).

Other severe complications include seizures, and shock. Bacteraemia can also happen after rotavirus infection — this is when gut bacteria enter your bloodstream due to damage to the insides of your intestines and cause infection.

You may develop short-term lactose intolerance after infection with rotavirus. This is more likely if the illness lasts longer, but it usually goes away quickly on its own. There is no need to stop eating dairy products after having a rotavirus infection.

Resources and support

For more information on immunisation in Australia, you can check:

• the National Immunisation Program Schedule
• the Australian Immunisation Handbook

Visit the SA Health page on rotavirus infection for information on symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Read the NSW Health rotavirus infection fact sheet.

If you're pregnant or have a child up to 5 years old with symptoms of rotavirus infection, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436. The video call service allows you to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. Video call is a free service and is available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

If you need advice on what to do next, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours, 7 days a week (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Languages other than English

Health Translations has information on rotavirus immunisation in many community languages.

Visit SKAI for factsheets on early childhood vaccinations in a number of community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

For more information about immunisation for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, visit the Department of Health website.

The Queensland Government also offers a vaccination schedule specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.