What are the symptoms of a rotavirus infection?

Not everyone who has a rotavirus infection becomes ill. The first time that a person has a rotavirus infection, they will usually have symptoms. The symptoms often start suddenly. If they are infected again later, they will often have milder symptoms.

People with a rotavirus infection often have these symptoms:

• vomiting
• diarrhoea (very watery)
• fever
• nausea
• stomach pain and cramps

Symptoms usually last for 4 to 9 days. Sometimes the diarrhoea makes the patient dehydrated. If that happens, the patient usually has to go to hospital. 

Who can become very ill from a rotavirus infection? 

Some people have a higher risk of becoming very ill from the rotavirus:

• babies born too early (preterm)
• children with low weight at birth 
• children with congenital disorders
• people with weakened immune symptoms

How does the rotavirus spread?

Almost every child has a rotavirus infection at least once before the age of five. This is because the virus is very contagious. The rotavirus is found in the stool (poop) of people who are infected, and can be transferred through hand contact – for example by touching a toilet seat, flush button, tap or door handle. Hand contact with these surfaces can also transfer the virus to the mouth. The virus could also be transferred to toys, utensils, dishes and food.

The time between exposure and illness is usually 1 to 3 days. People are contagious from the first day of illness. Some people carry the virus but do not have any symptoms. These carriers can also infect others. The contagious period usually lasts 8 days. 

How can I prevent a rotavirus infection?

You can protect your child against rotavirus with a vaccination. Even after vaccination, it is still possible to get a rotavirus infection. However, a person who has been vaccinated is unlikely to become very ill. Since 2024, the rotavirus vaccination has been available for children from 6 weeks old and up, through the National Immunisation Programme.

You can also reduce the risk of infection by practising good hygiene. This includes washing hands with soap and water and cleaning the toilet thoroughly. See our hygiene tips for more suggestions.

Is there any treatment for a rotavirus infection?

A rotavirus infection usually goes away on its own. If you are concerned about the symptoms, contact your GP. When a person has a rotavirus infection, it is important to drink a lot of fluids. This helps prevent dehydration. The risk of dehydration is especially high for young children and older people. If a person becomes dehydrated, hospital admission may be necessary.

How common is a serious rotavirus infection in the Netherlands? 

Vaccination against the rotavirus was introduced in the Netherlands in 2024. Before 2024, about 3,500 children with a serious rotavirus infection were admitted to hospital in the Netherlands annually. Most of these children were between 6 months and 2 years old. Children who are particularly vulnerable have a higher risk of becoming very ill. 5 or 6 children in that group died every year, until 2024. These figures are expected to go down in response to the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.

Can a person with a rotavirus infection go to childcare, school or work?

The symptoms of a rotavirus infection are similar to stomach flu. If the symptoms are mild or go away entirely, children can go to childcare or school as usual. However, you must tell the childcare worker or teacher that your child has a rotavirus infection. In that case, they can consult with the Municipal Public Health Services (GGDs) to notify other parents. That makes it possible for parents to be alert to possible stomach flu symptoms in their children. The childcare facility or school can also take additional measures as needed.

Do you have a rotavirus infection? If your symptoms are mild or have gone away entirely, you can go to work as usual. If you work in healthcare, in caring for young children, or in the food services industry, then check with your employer, the company doctor or the GGD before going to work.