Can rotavirus infection cause gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis affects the digestive tract. Rotavirus commonly causes watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and reduced appetite. Children can lose fluid quickly, particularly when vomiting prevents drinking. The infection spreads readily through contaminated hands and surfaces. Symptoms may continue after vomiting settles, so hydration remains important while stools are still loose. Read more about [Rotavirus Infection](/conditions/rotavirus-infection/) and [Gastroenteritis](/conditions/gastroenteritis/).

Offer an oral rehydration solution in frequent small sips; a spoon or syringe can help a child who struggles with a cup. Continue breastfeeding and return to usual foods gradually as appetite improves. Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks, which can aggravate diarrhoea. Wash hands with soap and water after toileting or changing nappies and before preparing food. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicine to a child unless a clinician advises it.

Seek urgent help for severe sleepiness, confusion, fainting, blood in stool, green vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician for very little urine, a dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, or diarrhoea that is not improving. Infants, older adults, and people with serious medical conditions need a lower threshold for assessment.

Ask which rehydration product and amount are suitable, how to monitor urine and alertness, and whether testing is needed. If a child is missing routine vaccines, ask how their immunisation schedule should be reviewed.