Caring for Kids
Public Health Agency of Canada
Ministry of Health
Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children. It usually affects children between the ages of 6 and 24 months of age.
Without vaccine, almost all children will have at least one episode of rotavirus diarrhea before they turn five years old. When older children and adults get rotavirus, they have a milder illness. They have less diarrhea and are less likely to become dehydrated.
Rotavirus spreads easily when tiny amounts of stool from an infected person get into another person’s mouth, usually on unwashed hands or from contaminated toys, surfaces, or other objects.
Children can spread the virus before they develop symptoms and for several days after they start feeling sick. Good handwashing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces help reduce the spread.
More information about rotavirus
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
For healthcare facilities, congregate living settings and childcare centres, report as soon as an outbreak is suspected. See Quick Reference for Detecting Outbreaks.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have rotavirus?
Exclude until the individual has been at least 48 hours without symptoms.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Rotavirus is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information.
Caring for Kids
Healthcare Provider Information
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Agency of Canada
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last reviewed: July 2026, by CDC