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. Throughout life, asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic reinfection can occur. Virtually all children have one or more rotavirus infections in the first 5 years of life and children aged 3 to 24 months have the highest rates of severe disease and hospitalization.
Transmission often occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The virus can survive for hours on human hands and for days on the surfaces of such objects as toys and countertops. Some airborne transport is possible. Animal strains of rotavirus differ from those that infect humans. Emerging Infectious Diseases . South Dakota Department of Health - Office of Disease Prevention.