Causes of rotavirus

Rotavirus is caused by a family of viruses called Reoviridae.

How rotavirus is spread

Rotavirus is typically spread through infected feces. The virus can spread when you swallow anything contaminated with small amounts of an infected person's feces.
This can happen:

• by consuming contaminated food or water  
• by touching contaminated objects, such as:
  • toys
  • door knobs
  • a baby's changing table
• through person-to-person contact, such as when you:
  • touch your mouth after shaking hands with an infected person who did not properly wash their hands after washroom use

It is commonly found and spread:

• in hospitals
• in childcare centres
• among family members

The virus can live on objects unless it is killed by disinfecting.