Rotavirus Symptoms in Adults

Rotavirus is a strain of virus that causes diarrhea. The virus lives in a person's stools before he shows outward symptoms of the illness. It can continue on in the fecal matter for as long as a week and a half after the virus appears to have passed. Children are most often affected by rotavirus, but adults can become infected as well, though symptoms are not usually as pronounced. Frequent hand-washing can help stop the spread of rotavirus.

Absence of Symptoms

• Mayo Clinic medical providers explain that even though the rotavirus may be present in adults' bodies at times (as shown by fecal testing), some people never display outward symptoms of illness (see Resources).

High Fever

• A high fever is one of the first symptoms of rotavirus. The body temperature of an adult may climb as high as 104 degrees F in some cases.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea that is watery is one of the main symptoms of rotavirus for both adults and children. The diarrhea can last for as little as three days or as long as a week.

Vomiting

• Adults infected with the rotavirus may experience frequent vomiting. Medical attention may be required if vomiting prevents an adult from keeping any food or water down for 24 hours or longer.

Dehydration

• Adults with a severe case of rotavirus may become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include having a very dry mouth and being thirsty, feeling weak, dizzy or lightheaded and having a reduced urine output.