Fluid replacement is the common therapy. Over three million cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis occur annually in the United States, primarily in the winter. All age groups are susceptible to rotavirus infection, but children six months to 2 years of age, premature infants, the elderly, and the immune-compromised are particularly prone to more severe symptoms. Outbreaks of rotavirus diarrhea are common among hospitalized infants, young children attending day care centers and elderly persons in nursing homes. The incubation period ranges from one to three days.
Symptoms often start with vomiting followed by four to eight days of diarrhea.
Temporary lactose intolerance may occur. Recovery is usually complete. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is important especially in cases of severe diarrhea. Infected food handlers may contaminate foods that require handling and no further cooking, such as salads, fruits and hors d oeuvres. Thus the best means of prevention of illness is by proper hand washing after using the bathroom or changing soiled diapers, especially before handling foods.