Rotavirus is highly contagious and all children are at risk of infection. By the age of five years, almost all children will have had one or more bouts of rotavirus gastro.

The main source of infection is contact with faeces (poo) from an infected child or adult. Infected children will have rotavirus in their faeces for up to a week after infection.

Children in close communities such as childcare centres are likely to be at increased risk of infection as the virus is highly contagious. Rotavirus can also spread to family members of the infected child. Infected adults and older children, who often have no obvious symptoms, can also shed rotavirus.

The virus can easily spread from the nappy to contaminate surfaces including nappy disposal containers, toys and even food preparation counters. Rotavirus is a very tough virus that can survive on these surfaces for weeks. Even with good hygiene and sanitation, it is difficult to avoid infection.

How common is it?