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Laboratory-based surveillance for rotavirus -- United States, July 1996-June 1997
Insights
Rotavirus infections cause millions of diarrhea cases in U.S. children annually, leading to significant healthcare use. Surveillance data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) tracks this vital public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children globally.
- In the U.S., rotavirus causes millions of diarrhea cases, leading to substantial physician visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in children under 5.
- It is a significant contributor to nosocomial (hospital-acquired) gastroenteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize rotavirus surveillance data in the United States.
- To report on rotavirus activity monitored by the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS).
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS).
- Analyzed voluntary, laboratory-based surveillance data.
- Focused on the surveillance period of July 1996 to June 1997.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus infections represent a major burden of illness among U.S. infants and young children.
- The virus accounts for a substantial percentage of diarrhea-related hospitalizations in this age group.
- Surveillance data provides key insights into rotavirus activity patterns.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus remains a significant public health challenge in the United States.
- Continued monitoring through systems like NREVSS is crucial for understanding and managing rotavirus infections.
- Surveillance data informs public health strategies and interventions.
Abstract:
Rotavirus infections are the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis among infants and young children worldwide. Each year in the United States, rotavirus infections account for an estimated 3.5 million cases of diarrhea, 500,000 physician visits, 50,000 hospitalizations, and 20 deaths among children aged <5 years. In addition, rotavirus accounts for 30%-50% of U.S. hospitalizations for diarrhea among children aged <5 years, including approximately 50% of hospitalizations for diarrhea during annual seasonal peaks, and is an important cause of nosocomial gastroenteritis. Rotavirus activity in the United States is monitored by the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS), a voluntary, laboratory-based system. This report summarizes surveillance from NREVSS during July 1996-June 1997.