Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in children worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than 450,000 children each year, 85 percent of whom live in developing countries. Rotavirus disease cannot be treated with antibiotics or other drugs, and most children will become infected regardless of hygiene practices or access to clean water. Vaccination offers the best hope for preventing severe rotavirus illness. In 2009, the World Health Organization recommended that all countries include rotavirus vaccines in their national immunization programs. Currently, two vaccines against the disease are licensed for use and several more are in development.
More about rotavirus | View resources on rotavirus
Key resources
Infant Rotavirus Vaccination May Provide Indirect Protection to Older Children and Adults in the United States (2011)
An article that reports on a study which found that vaccinating infants in the United States against rotavirus prevents severe disease in older children and adults.
Projecting the Effectiveness of RotaTeq® Against Rotavirus-Related Hospitalizations and Deaths in Six Asian Countries (2011)
An article that describes the projected effectiveness of RotaTeq®, suggesting that the vaccine could substantially reduce the burden of rotavirus disease in Asia.
Comparative Review of Three Cost-Effectiveness Models for Rotavirus Vaccines in National Immunization Programs: A Generic Approach Applied to Various Regions in the World (2011)
An article that critically reviews available cost-effectiveness models for rotavirus vaccination.
Featured PATH resources
A Comprehensive Approach to Rotavirus Vaccines (2011)
A fact sheet that highlights PATH's work to increase access to and effectiveness of existing rotavirus vaccines, as well as to develop new vaccines.
An Integrated Approach to Confronting Diarrheal Disease (2011)
A paper that provides an overview of the tools and interventions involved with diarrheal disease control, including vaccines, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding, and zinc treatment.
Rotavirus Vaccine Solutions (2011)
A fact sheet that provides a technical perspective of PATH's work on rotavirus vaccines for children in the developing world.
Page last updated: November 2011.
