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Rotavirus Infection

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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.).