Rotaviruses infect the stomach and intestines (bowel) of children. They often spread to other children before the infected child starts to feel unwell. Poor hygiene usually causes the spreading.
For example, if an infected child does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any rotaviruses on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as a glass, kitchen utensil or food. If another child touches this contaminated object, then touches their face, or they eat contaminated food, they may swallow some of the viruses.
Rotavirus infections spread easily in this way, particularly among young children who often forget to wash their hands after going to toilet or before eating. The virus can also survive for several days on surfaces or utensils.
This is why these types of infections frequently occur in places where there is a high concentration of young children, such as playgroups, nurseries and infant schools.
The rotavirus affects one of the main functions of the intestines: the absorption of water from digested food and into the body. This is why one of the most common symptoms of gastroenteritis is diarrhoea, and why dehydration is such a common complication.
Other causes
In a minority of cases, gastroenteritis in children may be caused by factors other than the rotavirus. These include:
- food poisoning from eating contaminated food
- drinking contaminated water
- a side effect of antibiotics
