Rotavirus Cases Surge Across the US as CDC Warns of High Infection Levels
Health officials are warning that rotavirus, a highly contagious virus causing severe vomiting and diarrhea, has reached its highest levels in years across the United States. The potentially life-threatening illness is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, leading to hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Rotavirus Infections Spike Nationwide
CDC data shows rotavirus positivity rates have increased to over 7% of tests, marking the highest levels since April 2025. The virus has been steadily climbing since January 2026, with cases particularly concentrated in late March and April.
Key Health Impacts:
- Emergency room visits for rotavirus symptoms at highest levels in nearly a decade
- Children experiencing severe dehydration requiring hospitalization
- Most severe cases occurring in unvaccinated children aged 3 months to 3 years
Declining Vaccination Rates Raise Concerns
Health experts point to declining vaccination rates as a contributing factor to this year's surge. Only 73.8% of children are currently vaccinated against rotavirus, down from previous years. The situation was complicated when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced changes to childhood immunization schedules in January 2026, removing rotavirus vaccine from recommended schedules.
Prevention remains critical through vaccination, which prevents 40,000-50,000 hospitalizations annually and protects 9 out of 10 children from severe disease.