This is an assignment for Biol. 2420, Microbiology. The identification of the rotavirus as a cause of disease is a relatively recent event. Ruth Bishop of Australia first identified rotavirus in 1973. Since then, this disease has been recognized as a major threat to infants and children everywhere.
Human rotaviruses have a worldwide distribution.
Rotavirus is seasonal, the majority of the disease occurs during the winter months in the United States. It is a highly infectious disease and fecal-oral transmission is likely the major mode of transmission. Often this mode occurs from person to person. The infective dose in a child can be very small. Rotavirus is stable in the environment and contamination of surfaces, such as toys and diaper pail handles, probably contributes to spread of infection.