Rotavirus can cause gastrointestinal infections (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). Children may become dehydrated from long-lasting or severe diarrhoea. Rotavirus infections are common in young children aged 0–2 years. Rotavirus is highly contagious.
Factsheet on rotavirus
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How does the virus spread? |
Through contact with hands and mouth |
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Common symptoms |
Vomiting, (severe) diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain |
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Severe symptoms |
Dehydration |
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Which vaccination offers protection? |
Symptoms of a rotavirus infection
Not all children infected with rotavirus become ill. Symptoms usually do occur when a child has rotavirus for the first time. A subsequent infection causes fewer symptoms. The symptoms often start suddenly and may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- (severe) diarrhoea
- fever
- abdominal pain or abdominal cramps
The symptoms last 4 to 9 days. Sometimes a child becomes dehydrated from diarrhoea and has to go to hospital. The time between exposure and illness is 1 to 3 days.
How does the rotavirus spread?
The virus is found in the stool (poo) of an infected person. After using the toilet, the virus may be left on the toilet seat, the flush button, the tap or the door handle. Hand contact can transfer the virus to the mouth. Hand contact can also transfer the virus to toys, utensils, dishes and food.
Anyone can get a rotavirus infection, but young children and older people have a higher risk of becoming ill. People living or working in close contact are more likely to be exposed. This includes children in a daycare centre.
If you have had a rotavirus infection before, it can make you ill again, but you usually have fewer symptoms.
Rotavirus is highly contagious. Rotavirus infections are common in young children aged 0–2 years. Almost every child has at least one rotavirus infection before the age of five. About 3,500 children are admitted to hospital due to a rotavirus infection every year. Five or six children a year die from the effects of the disease.
Children born after 1 January 2024 will be offered a rotavirus vaccination through the National Immunisation Programme.
Rotavirus after a vaccination
Even after vaccination against rotavirus, your child can still get a rotavirus infection. But your child is much less likely to become seriously ill.
A rotavirus infection usually goes away on its own. If you are worried about the symptoms, talk to your family doctor (GP). Make sure your child drinks a lot. This is important to prevent dehydration.
Besides having your child vaccinated against the rotavirus, you can also take measures yourself.
Wash your hands with water and soap:
- before preparing food or baby bottles
- before eating food
- after going to the toilet
- after changing a nappy or helping someone go to the toilet
- after cleaning, including wiping tables and counters
- after petting or cuddling animals
- after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
Also watch the video Washing your hands – Do it often and do it thoroughly (in Dutch).
Other than that:
- Clothes or bedding that have poo or vomit on them can be machine-washed. Do not overfill the washing machine. Run the full wash cycle at 40 degrees or hotter. Then dry the wash in the dryer or iron it as hot as possible.
- Toys that children put in their mouths should be cleaned every day. You can use normal household cleaners for this.