Rotavirus Cases Surge Across US as Vaccination Rates Decline

20 articles · Updated · NBC News · Apr 15

A surge in highly contagious rotavirus infections is spreading across the US, with particularly high levels detected in California and the Northeast.
The virus causes severe vomiting and diarrhea in young children, leading to increased hospitalizations and concerns over declining vaccination rates.
Experts warn that standard hygiene is insufficient to halt transmission, and falling immunization rates could drive more severe illness and hospitalizations.

Why are certain regions, like California’s Bay Area and the Northeast, seeing higher rotavirus levels than others?

How could proposed changes to childhood vaccine recommendations impact rotavirus outbreaks and child health in the coming years?

How effective is wastewater surveillance in predicting and preventing infectious disease surges like rotavirus?

What steps can parents take if their children are too young or unable to receive the rotavirus vaccine?

What strategies have proven most effective in rebuilding trust and increasing vaccine uptake among hesitant communities?