How does rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus can be spread both before and after children show signs of being sick. Children can catch a rotavirus infection if they put their fingers in their mouths after touching something that has been contaminated by the stool of an infected person. Usually this happens when children forget to wash their hands often enough, especially before eating and after using the toilet. People who care for children can also spread the virus, especially if they do not wash their hands after changing diapers. Rotavirus is resistant to most disinfectant cleaners, including anti-bacterial products. The virus can survive for a few hours on human hands and for days on hard and dry surfaces. As a result, rotavirus can be easily spread in families, and outbreaks can occur in childcare centers, playgroups, and hospitals.
