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 AAP recommends that all children receive vaccines for hepatitis A and B, Covid-19, influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and other infections.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 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

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 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