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What Are the Causes of Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children. Although they can catch this disease, adults aren't as likely to develop symptoms. It is highly contagious and can live for months if not killed by disinfection.

  1. Lack of Hand Washing

    • Hand washing is an important component in slowing the spread of rotavirus. If you have rotavirus and you don't wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the bathroom, this virus can spread to everything you touch, such as eating utensils, toys and food. If your child is sick with rotavirus and you don't wash after helping him in the bathroom or changing his diaper, the virus is likely to spread to other family members, particularly children who still put everything in their mouths.

    Contaminated Water

    • Rotavirus, a hardy organism, can live in water. Keep other family members away from a sick child or parent's drinking water. Make sure the ill person is the only one using the glass and that it's washed often. Once the diarrhea subsides, wash glasses and utensils in hot, soapy water with bleach added to kill the germs.

    Coughing and Sneezing

    • Rotavirus is most common in winter and spring, when children are in school and/or day care. Children who are sick with rotavirus can spread the organism not only in their stool but also through droplets spread when they sneeze and cough. Teach your children how to cough into their elbows or hands and make sure they wash with warm water and soap.

    Viral Shedding

    • Rotavirus sufferers can shed large quantities of the virus in their stool two days before symptoms arrive and for 10 days after. If your immune system is compromised, you are able to shed rotavirus for more than 30 days after becoming infected. Rotavirus is easily spread through hand-to-mouth contact before you get sick, while you are symptomatic and after you recover, within the same time frame as the viral shedding.

    Lack of Disinfection

    • Rotavirus can easily survive on hard surfaces for days after infection. This includes tables, doorknobs, sinks, faucets, toys, kitchen utensils and anything else you or your child have touched. Wipe surfaces down with a mixture of bleach and water to help prevent the spread of the virus.

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