rotavirus

American  

[roh-tuh-vahy-ruhs] / ˈroʊ təˌvaɪ rəs /

noun

plural

rotaviruses

1. a double-stranded RNA virus of the genus Rotavirus, family Reoviridae, that is a major cause of infant diarrhea.

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rotavirus British  

/ ˈrəʊtəˌvaɪrəs /

noun

1. any member of a genus of viruses that cause worldwide endemic infections. They occur in birds and mammals, cause diarrhoea in children, and are usually transmitted in food prepared with unwashed hands

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Etymology

Origin of rotavirus

1974; < Latin rota wheel + virus

Example Sentences

The vaccine, which was developed in 2006, “wiped it out. I haven’t seen rotavirus in well over a decade.”

From Slate • Jan. 9, 2026

Now 11 vaccines are recommended for all children, while immunizations against influenza, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, COVID-19 and RSV pushed into “high-risk” or “shared clinical decision-making” categories.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 6, 2026

The CDC estimates that the rotavirus vaccine prevents 40,000 to 50,000 pediatric hospitalizations a year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

The third group of vaccines for Covid-19, influenza, and rotavirus has been left to parents and doctors to decide.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Take rotavirus, Ratner said, which causes severe diarrhea that can be life-threatening for children if untreated.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025