Rotavirus
Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in children worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than 500,000 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. 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
Strategic Advisory Group of Experts Recommendations: Rotavirus Vaccination (2009)
A global recommendation by the World Health Organization's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on the use of rotavirus vaccines, which was informed by new data from clinical trials in Africa that demonstrated rotavirus vaccine efficacy in countries with high child mortality.
Manual of Rotavirus Detection and Characterization Methods (2009)
A manual that
explains the most common procedures for rotavirus strain surveillance.
Post-Marketing Surveillance of Rotavirus Vaccine Safety (2009)
A
manual that provides a review of current knowledge related to the safety of rotavirus vaccine and suggestions for approaches for monitoring vaccine safety.
Featured PATH resources
Common Virus and Senseless Killer: Briefing Paper on Rotavirus (2009)
A paper that
underscores the burden of rotavirus disease and highlights the promise of vaccines to combat the virus.
Enhanced Diarrheal Disease Control Resource Center
A website that provides comprehensive resources on diarrheal disease treatment interventions, including low-osmolarity oral rehydration solution, zinc treatment, and rotavirus vaccines.
Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine with Support from the GAVI Alliance: Information to Assist the National Decision-making and Application Process (2008)
A document that aims to support decision-making by GAVI-eligible countries in the WHO European region, providing information on the burden of rotavirus disease; efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of available rotavirus vaccines; eligibility criteria; application procedures; co-financing requirements; and health system considerations.
Page last updated: November 2009.
