Is rotavirus highly contagious?

Is rotavirus highly contagious?

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. Before the development of a vaccine, most children had been infected with the virus at least once by age 5. Although rotavirus infections are unpleasant, you can usually treat this infection at home with extra fluids to prevent dehydration.

How common is rotavirus NZ?

Nine out of 10 New Zealand children will develop rotavirus illness by 3 years of age. Before the rrotavirus vaccine became available in New Zealand, an estimated 1 in 43 children under five years of age were hospitalised because of rotavirus each year.

How long after rotavirus vaccine are you contagious?

As a precaution, anyone in close contact with recently vaccinated babies should take special care with personal hygiene for 2 weeks following vaccination, including washing their hands carefully after changing the baby’s nappy.

How does rotavirus get transmitted?

You can get infected with rotavirus if you get rotavirus particles in your mouth. People who are infected with rotavirus shed the virus in their stool (poop). This is how the virus gets into the environment and can infect other people.

Can you reinfect yourself with rotavirus?

Can a person become reinfected with the virus? Yes, reinfection can occur if the person receives a high dose of virus or if they are immunosuppressed. Reinfections are usually milder than first infections.

Can baby still get rotavirus if vaccinated?

The vaccine is over 85% effective at protecting against severe rotavirus infection in the first two years of life. Some babies who are vaccinated will still get rotavirus infection, but the disease is usually milder. See more information on Rotavirus.

How long does the rotavirus last in toddlers?

Symptoms of rotavirus usually last from three to eight days. Most children are contagious for around 12 days total. That’s because infection starts a few days before symptoms do.