Rotavirus case notifications have increased in the Townsville and Mount Isa regions, with majority of cases occurring in children aged less than 10 years. Townsville region has had 120 cases of rotavirus in 2025, with 69 in children under five years. Mount Isa region has had 9 cases of rotavirus in 2025, with 5 in children under five years. This is more than double what we have seen in recent years and follows an increase in rotavirus cases and outbreaks in the NT and WA. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a highly infectious disease often seen in children under five years, with the peak incidence between 6 months and 2 years of age. Before the introduction of rotavirus immunisations, rotavirus caused about half of all hospitalised cases of gastroenteritis in children less than five years of age.
Key points:
- Rotavirus infections are increasing in theTownsville and Mount Isa regions.
- Encourage timely rotavirus immunisation – due at 2 and 4 months of age.
- Test for rotavirus in patients who present with gastroenteritis.
- Rotavirus can be a severe infection, resulting in dehydration and hospitalisation.
Symptoms:
- Mild, watery diarrhoea of limited duration
- Can be severe dehydrating diarrhoea with electrolyte imbalance and shock
- Vomiting may precede the onset of diarrhoea
- Fever
Doctors are encouraged to:
- Test for rotavirus in patients who present with gastroenteritis by requesting viral PCR on stool samples (as well as MCS for other pathogens if appropriate).
- Recommend rotavirus (Rotarix) vaccination for children under 6 months.
- Two dose vaccine given at 2 and 4 months
- The first dose must be given before 15 weeks of age, and the second dose must be given before turning 25 weeks of age.
- Exclusion from childcare, school or work until there has not been a loose bowel motion for at least 24 hours.
- Exclusion of unwell food handlers or carers of patients, children or the elderly until they have not had any diarrhoea or vomiting for 48 hours.
- Assess for signs of dehydration and provide education about staying hydrated and when to seek medical assistance.
- Encourage all patients to practice hand hygiene with soap and water to stop the spread of rotavirus.
