NJ Sees Rotavirus Rise in Kids, Vaccination Urged

Rotavirus activity is elevated across New Jersey and Region 2, causing vomiting and diarrhea in young children and raising dehydration and hospitalization risk; CDC data show 9.6% of rotavirus tests were positive in the Northeast for the week ending April 11, with Region 2 recently easing from earlier peaks, while wastewater data indicate rising rates in the Midwest and West. Vaccination remains the most effective protection (85–98% against severe illness), but overall vaccine uptake has slipped to about 74% of U.S. children by 8 months. The rise occurs amid vaccine-policy debates and lawsuits over changes to immunization schedules; health officials urge vaccination and seeking medical care for signs of dehydration.