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Rotavirus

All articles tagged with #rotavirus

Bay Area braces for rotavirus uptick as World Cup crowds arrive
science13 days ago

Bay Area braces for rotavirus uptick as World Cup crowds arrive

Rotavirus, a highly contagious GI virus, is showing up again in Bay Area wastewater as FIFA World Cup crowds converge, with elevated readings in Redwood City, San Jose, and Vallejo after spring peaks. Health experts say mass gatherings and shared facilities can spread fecal-oral viruses, though outdoor venues may limit respiratory spread. About 260,000 travelers are expected for the World Cup, prompting public health advisories on handwashing and food hygiene. There is no cure; vaccination exists for children but has been removed from the routine schedule, which could influence susceptibility in adults as well.

Boise Rotavirus Surge Detected in Wastewater Prompts Health Advisory
health1 month ago

Boise Rotavirus Surge Detected in Wastewater Prompts Health Advisory

Wastewater testing shows high rotavirus levels in the Boise area, signaling a contagious stomach flu that mainly endangers infants and young children. Common symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, with dehydration being a major risk that can require hospitalization. There is no specific antiviral treatment; most cases are managed with rest and fluids, though more serious cases may need hospital care. Vaccination is the best prevention, supplemented by thorough handwashing and routine surface disinfection to slow spread. Seek medical care for dehydration, persistent vomiting, high fever, or severe abdominal pain, and be aware of rare complications like intussusception that require urgent attention.

Bay Area Braces for Rotavirus Rise, Kids at Highest Risk
health-and-fitness1 month ago

Bay Area Braces for Rotavirus Rise, Kids at Highest Risk

Rotavirus levels are rising across the Bay Area, with wastewater monitoring showing growth and young children at the greatest risk. Experts note that a decline in rotavirus vaccination may contribute to the uptick, and emphasize prevention through handwashing and ensuring hydration if infected; most cases are not hospitalized, but severe infections can occur.

Rotavirus surge prompts travel caution for families with infants
health-and-wellness2 months ago

Rotavirus surge prompts travel caution for families with infants

Rotavirus is rising nationwide, heightening hospitalization fears for babies as the CDC’s shift to shared clinical decision-making on vaccination creates mixed messages. Illinois sticks with the AAP schedule, but experts warn declining uptake could worsen outcomes, even as Comer Children’s Hospital notes more gastroenteritis cases. Some families are delaying summer travel to protect vulnerable infants.

NJ Rotavirus Surge Tied to Wastewater Signals
health2 months ago

NJ Rotavirus Surge Tied to Wastewater Signals

Wastewater data indicate a rise in rotavirus in parts of New Jersey (notably Monmouth and Somerset counties) and the broader Northeast, signaling increased community transmission. Health experts urge vaccination and proper handwashing to protect children from vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, noting that the New Jersey Department of Health does not track individual cases. The virus typically peaks in late winter to spring, with expectations that activity may decline through May–July as the season progresses.

Rotavirus surge in the US spotlights vaccination gaps
health2 months ago

Rotavirus surge in the US spotlights vaccination gaps

CDC data show a rise in US rotavirus infections, with 7.3% of tests positive in the week ending April 4 (last year’s peak was 6.77%), likely tied to declining vaccination rates post-COVID and a post-pandemic rebound. With no antiviral treatment, prevention hinges on completing the rotavirus vaccine series (Rotateq and Rotarix) and ongoing hygiene; severe cases require IV rehydration and supportive care, especially for infants and young children.

NJ Sees Rotavirus Rise in Kids, Vaccination Urged
health-and-fitness2 months ago

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.

San Francisco Faces a Viral Crunch: Rotavirus and Others Surge, with Unclear Causes
health2 months ago

San Francisco Faces a Viral Crunch: Rotavirus and Others Surge, with Unclear Causes

San Francisco is seeing a surge of multiple viruses—rotavirus, norovirus, HMPV, influenza A/B, and RSV—driving illness in the Bay Area even as COVID-19 remains low, according to WastewaterSCAN data. Rotavirus is notably higher in 2026, a trend experts say could reflect better wastewater tracking or lower vaccine uptake; the CDC no longer routinely recommends rotavirus vaccination, leaving decisions to clinicians and families. Health officials advise basics like hand-washing and staying up to date on vaccines, while researchers note that waning immunity and a new flu strain may be prolonging winter viruses into spring.

Rotavirus Surge in U.S. Linked to Vaccination Decline, Hospitalizations Rise
health2 months ago

Rotavirus Surge in U.S. Linked to Vaccination Decline, Hospitalizations Rise

Rotavirus infections have surged in the U.S. since January, causing severe dehydration and rising hospitalizations among young children even as vaccines like RotaTeq prevent tens of thousands of hospitalizations annually; vaccination rates have fallen to about 73.8%, fueling concerns that lower immunity could worsen illness, and experts emphasize that prevention relies on vaccination and good hygiene while treatment remains supportive (fluids). Wastewater surveillance shows high virus levels in several regions, underscoring community spread.

"Spring Season Sees Flu and Norovirus Take Center Stage, Surpassing COVID-19"
health2 years ago

"Spring Season Sees Flu and Norovirus Take Center Stage, Surpassing COVID-19"

As COVID-19 cases decline, wastewater data reveals a surge in other viruses such as influenza B, parainfluenza, norovirus, and rotavirus. Experts attribute the resurgence of these viruses to the disruption of their normal seasonal patterns by pandemic mitigation measures. The increase in these viruses, particularly in the Midwest, Northeast, and South, highlights the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures as the U.S. heads into the warmer months.