Overview
Rotavirus is a cause of gastroenteritis, commonly in infants and young children. Its incidence has fallen since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.
It is spread by the faecal-oral route and most cases occur in winter and spring. Infection is uncommon in adults as immunity is long-lasting.
Presentation
Rotavirus has an incubation period of 1-2 days. Features include:
- Fever and vomiting that usually last for up to 3 days
- Non-bloody diarrhoea that usually lasts for up to 5 days
- Prolonged disease can occur in people with immunodeficiency
Vaccination
Overview
The rotavirus vaccine is an oral, live attenuated vaccine, with a dose at 2 months and a second dose at 3 months. The first dose is not given at 14 weeks and 6 days and the second dose cannot be given after 23 weeks + 6 days due to the risk of intussusception. It offers long-term protection.
