Division of Public Health Services Disease Handbook for Childcare Providers 
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control REVISED –January 2018 
Rotavirus 
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and 
vomiting. It is the most common cause of 
diarrhea in children under two years old.  
What are the symptoms? 
Rotavirus typically causes non-bloody 
diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.  
T
he symptoms usua lly last 3 -8 days but the 
virus can be present before diarrhea begins 
and last up to three weeks after symptoms 
disappear.  
How is the disease spread? 
Rotavirus is spread by direct contact (fecal -
oral route) with contaminated food or 
objects (i.e. toys or  surfaces frequently 
touched by children).  
How is it diagnosed and treated? 
Your child’s healthcare provider may make 
a diagnosis of rotavirus based on your 
child’s symptoms. While not typically done, 
a stool sample may be collected and 
analyzed to confirm diagnosis.  
T
here is no  treatment for Rotavirus. The 
virus is self -limiting. Your child may need 
extra fluids in order to prevent dehydration. 
If you notice a decrease in your child’s urine 
output or if your child cries with few or no 
tears, had a dry mouth, is unusually sleepy 
or fussy contact your child’s healthcare 
provider.  
H
ow can the spread of the disease 
be prevented? 
1. Good handwashing especially before
preparing meals and after diapering a
child.
2. Clean all meal preparation surfaces
and sur faces children touch
frequently.
3. Clean children’s toys frequently – a
diluted bleach mixture can be used to
clean and sanitize items or surfaces.
T
he Advisory Committee on Immunization 
Practices (ACIP), recommends  routine 
vaccination of children against Rotavirus. 
Two vaccines are available to prevent the 
spread of Rotavirus. Rotateq is a 3 dose 
series and is recommended to be given at 2 
months, 4 months, and 6 months. Rotarix is 
a 2 dose series recommended to be given at 
2 months and 4 months.  
Who should be excluded? 
Children should be excluded from childcare 
if they are experiencing more than 2 loose 
stools per day or diarrhea cannot be 
contained in diapers as it impedes the 
caregiver’s ability to care for other children 
in a safe and sanitary manner.  
Reportable? 
No, rotavirus is not reportable by New 
Hampshire law.  However, the Bureau of 
Infectious Disease Control professionals 
are available for consultation at (603) 
271-4496.