Rotavirus (gastroenteritis) is a non-enveloped virus that causes severe diarrhea and is common among infants and young children. In some cases, severe dehydration can occur in young children and would require hospitalization due to large amount of water loss. There is also a chance of death associated with this virus. Symptoms include dehydration, decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up. Adults who have the virus tend to have milder symptoms.

Nearly every child has been infected with rotavirus at least once by the age of five. There are eight species of this virus: A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. Rotavirus A is the most common species. This virus is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which can include contaminated hands, objects, food and water.

There are available vaccines that are very effective in preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis. The CDC recommends routine vaccination of infants with either the RV5 vaccine, given in 3 doses at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, or the RV1 vaccine, given in 2 doses at ages 2 and 4 months. Another preventative measure from becoming infected with this virus is to have good hand hygiene and disinfecting of surfaces as this is the main way this virus is transmitted. 256 Century Q, Microcide TB and Century Q Wipes are effective on rotavirus.v

For a listing of Multi-Clean liquid disinfectants or disinfecting wipes that are effective on rotavirus, please visit Multi-Clean’s disinfectants product line, or for more information, check out the CDC webpage.