Surveillance of rotavirus

Learn about rotavirus surveillance.

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Number of cases of rotavirus in Canada

In Canada, rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children.

It has been associated with considerable health care resource utilization.  Approximately 7,500 cases of rotavirus illness are hospitalized annually. Most of these hospitalizations are young children (younger than 5 years old).

Number of cases of rotavirus around the world

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea (gastroenteritis) in children throughout the world. About 95% of children contract the infection by 5 years of age.

Mortality due to rotavirus infection is much higher in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that 453,000 children aged less than 5 years died in 2008 from vaccine-preventable rotavirus infections. Globally, these rotavirus deaths account for approximately 5% of all child deaths.

Disease outbreaks demonstrate a seasonal pattern in temperate climates, where the disease is more pronounced during drier and cooler months.

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