THE WEST AND THE MIDWEST — Rotavirus levels detected in U.S. wastewater have been surging since January, with concentrations continuing to climb in the West and Midwest, according to data from WastewaterScan, an academic program run by Stanford University in partnership with Emory University. Infection rates are higher now than they were at the same time last year, and hospitals in affected regions have reported a corresponding uptick in pediatric admissions.

"We're seeing a lot of rotavirus in wastewater right now, definitely very high levels and that indicates to us that there are high levels of rotavirus infections in these communities," Dr. Marlene Wolfe, program director and co-principal investigator of WastewaterScan, said.

Oklahoma Children's OU Health has had a steady influx of children admitted for rotavirus over the last two months. Dr. Stephanie Deleon, associate chief medical officer and pediatric hospitalist at the hospital, described the early symptoms as a fever of about 101°F and vomiting. "Both of those go away pretty quickly, within a day to a day and a half." Deleon said diarrhea often begins after the fever and vomiting subside, with upwards of 20 episodes per day. Symptoms can last about three to eight days, and there is no treatment other than supportive care such as fluids.

Rotavirus is a seasonal virus similar to influenza and is transmitted when hands touch an infected surface and then touch the mouth. The virus is resistant to many standard disinfection methods, though handwashing and cleaning surfaces can help reduce its spread.

Ben Lopman, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Emory University, experienced rotavirus firsthand when his 18-month-old son went from being an energetic toddler to listless within 48 hours. His son, Ruben, was hospitalized for severe dehydration and required intravenous fluids to maintain his strength while fighting the infection. Ruben eventually recovered. "It was scary. It also reminded me how severe this disease can be for any kid," Lopman said.

Before rotavirus vaccination became available, the virus caused more than 200,000 emergency room visits and up to 70,000 hospitalizations among babies and young children in the U.S. each year, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. The virus also caused dozens of deaths annually among young children. The first oral rotavirus vaccine was approved about 20 years ago. According to the CDC, the oral vaccine, administered starting at 2 months of age, now prevents between 40,000 and 50,000 hospitalizations every year.