Rotavirus damages the cells on the hair-like projections of the small intestine, reducing their ability of absorption, causing diarrhoea. It is the leading cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhoea in children under the age of 5 years globally. Features of the disease include fever, vomiting and watery diarrhoea. The disease lasts for 3-7 days and young children are at particular risk of dehydration.

Rotavirus is highly contagious. It is transmitted via fecal-oral route, through consumption of contaminated food or water, or by contact with contaminated surface. To date there is no drug available as specific treatment to Rotavirus. Supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids administration to prevent dehydration and antipyretics, are mainstay of treatment. Disease can be prevented by oral vaccines available to infants.

Vaccines are available in 2-dose or 3-dose from. Infants can be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age. Depend on the brand chosen, the schedule need to be completed by 24 weeks or 32 weeks.