Significant morbidity is rare, but dehydration and shock can result in ischemic injury to the kidneys or central nervous system. Children who become severely dehydrated may develop deep venous thromboses or cerebral venous thromboses. Race is not a factor in rotavirus infection. However, socioeconomic class plays an important role. The disease is more prevalent among children in lower socioeconomic classes.
Adults usually have a few days of nausea, anorexia and cramping pain.
Diarrhea is a less significant symptom in adults than in children. Young children, particularly those in group day care settings, are at increased risk for acquiring this infection. Interestingly, newborn infants seem to be more resistant to disease than their slightly older peers. They may shed the virus without being symptomatic. There is often a history of exposure to other children with diarrhea.