Rotavirus

Rotaviruses are viruses that can cause an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. By the age of five, nearly all children will have had at least one rotavirus infection. It is possible to get vaccinated against rotavirus. While infection can happen at any age, it is more severe in children under two years old and in elderly. Fever caused by the infection can exceed 39 degrees Celsius.

Where does rotavirus occur?

Rotavirus is found all over the world. In the Netherlands, there are between 2,600 and 4,700 hospitalisations each year due to rotavirus infections in young children (under the age of two). On average, 6 to 7 children die each year in the Netherlands as a result of a rotavirus infection.

What are the symptoms?

Rotavirus infections can be recognized by a combination of the following symptoms:

• Sudden onset of diarrhoea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Watery, frequent diarrhoea that can last up to 7 days

How to prevent rotavirus?

Rotaviruses are highly contagious and can be transmitted in multiple ways. It can be transmitted directly, for example, through contaminated hands, or indirectly through contact with infected objects, such as toys, food, other people's hands, contaminated water, or through the air. Good (hand) hygiene is essential, especially during outbreaks in daycare centres, schools, or within families.

There is a vaccine available to protect against rotavirus. This is an oral vaccine, administered in drops by mouth. In several countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom, rotavirus vaccination is included in the national vaccination programme for all children. The vaccine must be administered twice at a very young age, ideally before children are 12 weeks old. In the Netherlands, it is still unknown whether and when this vaccine will be included in the National Immunisation Programme for all children.

At KLM Health Services, rotavirus vaccination is available for a fee. The vaccination must be administered twice at a very young age, with the first dose preferably given before the child is 12 weeks old.

More information

Would you like to know more about rotavirus? Please visit the RIVM information page: Rotavirus | RIVM.