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.
Most outbreaks are self-limiting .
Once infected, asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic reinfection can occur throughout life. The highest rates of illness occur among infants and young children. Most children in the United States are infected by two years of age. Adults can be infected, although disease tends to be milder. Elderly people and others with decreased immunity may be susceptible to severe disease.