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

And it now recommends that families and healthcare providers engage in what is dubbed “shared clinical decision-making” for the once broadly recommended vaccines against rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, hepatitis A and B, and meningococcal disease.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced sweeping changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, removing broad recommendations for immunization against such diseases as flu, hepatitis A, rotavirus, and meningitis.

From Slate • Jan. 9, 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

But the mRNA vaccines are "remarkably safe" and key to helping prevent against severe infections from viruses like Covid, said Dr Offit, who invented the rotavirus vaccine.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025