Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Rotaviruses. The classic cause of severe watery diarrhoea in infants and young children.
CDC describes rotavirus as a common cause of severe watery diarrhoea and vomiting, especially in children, with no specific medicine to treat the infection itself. Children can become dehydrated, need hospital care and, in the worst cases, die. Rotavirus vaccination is the main protection, and this profile covers human rotaviruses as a group rather than a single strain.
CDC states symptoms usually start about 2 days after a person is exposed, and that vomiting and watery diarrhoea can last 3 to 8 days.
Possible symptoms: Severe watery diarrhoea; Vomiting; Fever; Stomach pain; Loss of appetite.
CDC lists dehydration signs to watch for: decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness. Dehydration can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.