Symptoms

The most common symptoms of rotavirus are severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and/or abdominal pain.

Symptoms usually start about two days after a person is exposed to rotavirus. Vomiting and watery diarrhea can last three to eight days. Additional symptoms may include loss of appetite and dehydration (loss of body fluids), which can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • decreased urination
  • dry mouth and throat
  • feeling dizzy when standing up
  • crying with few or no tears and
  • unusual sleepiness or fussiness.

Rotavirus disease is most common in infants and young children. However, older children and adults can also get sick from rotavirus. Adults who get rotavirus disease tend to have milder symptoms.