The diarrhea caused by rotavirus may result from the loss of absorptive area and the flux of water and fluid across the damaged surface. Rotavirus infections may be highly contagious. It begins 1 to 3 days after exposure. The most common age for infection is infants 6 months to 2 years old, but it can occur in all age groups, including adults and those with an impaired immune system. The illness can range from mild to severe and last from 3 to 9 days.
Some children have no symptoms of rotavirus infection.
Mild cases may become evident only with respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose. More serious infections may lead to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea among children. Diarrhea can impact the ability of the body to process and absorb necessary water, salts, and nutrients. The illness usually starts with an occasional bout of loose runny stools which may contain blood, pus, or mucus, and quickly progresses to frequent, watery diarrheal bowel movements that could last from 3 to 8 days.