Transmission can occur through ingestion of contaminated water or food, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Annual epidemics occur in the U.S. from November to April. The highest rates of illness occur among infants and young children. Most children in the United States are infected by two years of age. For persons with healthy immune systems, rotavirus gastroenteritis is a self-limited illness, lasting for only a few days.
Treatment is nonspecific and consists of oral rehydration therapy to prevent dehydration.