Rotavirus Infection

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Medical Author:

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

John Mersch, MD, FAAP

Dr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Rotavirus Infection Overview
• Rotavirus Infection Causes
• Rotavirus Infection Symptoms and Signs
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Self-Care at Home
• Rotavirus Infection Treatment
• Prevention and Vaccines
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Rotavirus from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Rotavirus - Describe Your Experience

Rotavirus Infection Overview

Rotavirus infection is the number one cause of severe viral gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) in the world. Primary rotavirus infection is particularly common in children 6 months to 2 years of age. Annual estimates indicate that, worldwide, approximately 130 million infants and children develop this infection, resulting in 600,000-800,000 deaths per year. The most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the burden of morbidity (illness) and mortality in the United States is not trivial. Each year, approximately 2.7 million American children sustain a rotavirus infection, resulting in 500,000 office visits. Between 300-400 American children die annually, while approximately 200,000 hospitalizations occur each year due to rotavirus infection. The federal government estimates the direct medical cost of rotavirus disease to be $1 billion annually. This direct cost does not take into consideration the broader financial impact (loss of productivity and wages, etc.).