How Serious Is Rotavirus? A Look at Worldwide Statistics

Since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, infant deaths have decreased significantly worldwide, especially in the United States. But the virus is still a leading cause of death from diarrhea among children in certain parts of the world.

Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, especially in infants. Before a vaccine was available, rotavirus was responsible for half a million child deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Thankfully, rates have decreased significantly since 2006, when pharmaceutical manufacturers introduced the rotavirus vaccine to more than 100 countries. While rotavirus now causes few deaths in the U.S., it’s still responsible for more than 200,000 deaths worldwide, mainly in Africa, Oceania, and South Asia.

Keep reading to learn more about the number of deaths by rotavirus and the effect the vaccine has had on reducing serious illness and death from the virus.

Rotavirus symptoms

Rotavirus most commonly causes vomiting and watery diarrhea. Symptoms can last anywhere from 3 to 8 days . Other symptoms may include appetite loss and dehydration.

Dehydration in children from the rotavirus can cause the following symptoms:

The per capita price of healthcare per year is higher in the United States than in any other nation in the world, according to National Public Radio (NPR). America spends nearly 2.5 times as much per person as the United Kingdom does, despite having comparable wealth and a lower life expectancy.

  • decreased urination
  • dizziness upon standing
  • dry mouth/throat
  • lethargy or being unusually sleepy
  • not making tears when crying
  • severe fussiness

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The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in the U.S. dramatically reduced the number of child hospital visits due to the virus. The CDC estimates the vaccine prevents between 40,000 and 50,000 hospitalizations each year.

Despite the clear benefits, a 2018 research review found that vaccinations plateaued from 2013 to 2015, peaking at 73.2% of eligible-aged children. This is lower than the 80% goal set by the federal government.

Before the vaccine

Before the rotavirus vaccine introduction, nearly every child in the United States had a rotavirus infection by 5 years old, according to the CDC . The organization also shares that pre-vaccine, rotavirus led to more than 400,000 doctor visits and 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations among this age group.

The CDC also notes that between 20 and 60 deaths occurred among children under 5 each year due to rotavirus.

After the vaccine

In a 2018 review, researchers observed U.S. vaccination and illness rates from 2006 to 2017. They found that the vaccine reduced rotavirus-related hospitalizations by 80% and emergency department visits by 57%.

In studies of vaccine effectiveness, which looked at whether those vaccinated against rotavirus needed hospitalization or serious care, the vaccine was about 84% effective at preventing such occurrences.

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Besides considerations for overall health, the rotavirus vaccine has also reduced healthcare costs. Experts estimate the rotavirus vaccine has reduced healthcare costs in the United States by $121 to $231 million annually.

After successful introductions in Europe and the Americas, the World Health Organization recommended in 2009 that all countries include the rotavirus vaccine in their regular infant immunization programs. Now available in more than 100 countries, the vaccine has led to a 40% decrease in hospital admissions for rotavirus in children younger than 5 years old. Global rotavirus-related deaths have also decreased by 25%.

But the vaccine may not be as effective everywhere in the world as it is in the U.S. A 2020 review found that its effectiveness was 86% for countries with low infant death compared with 63% for countries with high infant death.

In 2016, rotavirus was still the leading cause of diarrheal death among children worldwide, contributing to almost 129,000 deaths among children ages 5 and under. About half of all such deaths occur in four countries:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • India
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan

A 2018 report estimated that the rotavirus vaccine saved 28,000 lives in 2016, but more widespread use could have saved 83,200 more.

Who is most at risk of rotavirus?

Children under 3 years old are most at risk of rotavirus. Severe disease is most likely in unvaccinated children ages 3 months to 3 years . Others at increased risk of rotavirus may include:

  • adults who care for children, such as at a day care
  • older adults
  • those with weakened immune systems, such as from medical conditions, including HIV or cancer

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