Rotavirus Outbreaks in Retirement Communities

Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis among children, but it is uncommon among adults because most have immunity from prior infections. In this study, researchers report on two rotavirus outbreaks among older adults in retirement communities in 2011.

At one facility, 84 of 324 residents (26%) had clinical or laboratory-confirmed rotavirus gastroenteritis; 11 patients were hospitalized. At a second facility, 90 of 845 residents (11%) had rotavirus gastroenteritis; 19 were hospitalized. Viral shedding was detected for as long as 35 days from onset of symptoms.