What causes rotavirus disease?
The agents of rotavirus disease are the group A rotaviruses which are wheel-shaped (therefore named rota-) RNA viruses. Human strains are present worldwide; related species of rotaviruses affect other mammalian species. The manifestations of infection with human rotaviruses range from asymptomatic shedding to life-threatening gastroenteritis with severe vomiting and diarrhea. • How is rotavirus transmitted? Rotavirus is highly infectious; a very small number of virus particles is enough to infect a person and lead to disease. Fecal-oral transmission is the likely major mode of transmission; the roles of droplet or direct transmission have not yet been well characterized. Rotavirus is stable in the environment, and contamination of surfaces, such as toys and diaper pail handles, probably contributes to spread of infection. • How can disease from rotavirus be prevented or managed? Prior to the availability of a vaccine, there were no effective methods for the prevention or control of rot
