Norovirus Is Now the Most Common Cause of Childhood Gastroenteritis

Norovirus most often affects children aged <18 months and accounts for substantial healthcare costs.

The health burden of norovirus in the pediatric population has not been determined since widespread use of the rotavirus vaccine. Researchers examined the burden of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis (sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration lasting 1–3 days) in a multicenter surveillance study of 141,000 children younger than 5 years seeking medical attention for gastroenteritis in three U.S. counties during 2009 and 2010.

Fecal samples were obtained from 1295 children with gastroenteritis and 493 healthy controls. Norovirus was detected in 21% of cases and 4% of controls and rotavirus was detected in 12% of cases and in 1 child in the control group. Norovirus was more common than rotavirus in all clinical settings. Nearly half of norov…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Norovirus Is Now the Most Common Cause of Childhood Gastroenteritis

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Reviewing Author