Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. While adults can also get rotavirus, the virus mainly affects infants and children. According to the CDC, 55,000 children in the United States are hospitalized for rotavirus each year.

How Rotavirus Spreads

As KidsHealth explains, rotavirus passes through the stool of people infected with the virus, so rotavirus can spread whenever someone touches infected stool and then doesn't wash their hands before touching their mouth. As rotavirus also survives on surfaces, you also contract the virus if you touch a surface that's been contaminated and then touch your mouth.

Transmission Time Frame

According to the Mayo Clinic, you can begin to spread rotavirus to others a few days before your symptoms actually appear. Rotavirus can remain contagious up to 10 days after your symptoms disappear.

Preventing Infection

According to KidsHealth, thorough and frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent spreading rotavirus. It is especially important to wash hands before you eat and after you use the toilet, help your child use the toilet, or change a diaper.

Vaccination

As the CDC notes, there are currently two vaccines available to protect against rotavirus. The vaccines are recommended for most infants.

Statistic

According to the CDC, the majority of children in the United States experience a rotavirus infection by the time they turn two, a fact that clearly underlines the contagious nature of rotavirus.

Source:

KidsHealth: Rotavirus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About Rotavirus

Mayo Clinic: Rotavirus