Rotavirus in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Rotavirus is a very common cause of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) in babies and young children. Before vaccines were introduced, rotavirus caused thousands of hospitalizations every year in the United States in children under 5 years old. Since routine vaccination began, hospital visits have dropped by more than 70%.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, rotavirus still occurs, but vaccination and good hygiene have greatly reduced severe cases. Local hospitals such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health), and Mercy Health regularly care for children with gastroenteritis, especially during peak seasons.

How Rotavirus Spreads in West Michigan

Rotavirus spreads very easily, especially in group settings such as:

  • Daycares and preschools in Grand Rapids
  • Kindergartens and early elementary schools
  • Playgroups and indoor play areas (especially during cold Michigan winters when kids are indoors more)

Main ways rotavirus spreads

  • Person-to-person contact
  • Touching contaminated hands, diapers, toys, or surfaces
  • Faecal–oral transmission – when tiny amounts of stool get on hands, food, toys, or surfaces and then into a child’s mouth
  • Contact with vomit

In Michigan and other temperate regions of the U.S., rotavirus used to be most common in winter. More recently, peaks in cases can occur in late spring and early summer, although infections can happen at any time of year.

How Infectious Is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is highly contagious.

  • Symptoms usually start 1 to 3 days after infection.
  • An infected person’s stool can remain infectious for about 10 days, and in some cases up to 2 months.
  • A child can be infected more than once.

Because Grand Rapids has cold, long winters, children often spend more time indoors in close contact, which can make it easier for viruses like rotavirus to spread in homes, schools, and childcare centers.

Symptoms of Rotavirus in Babies and Children

Rotavirus symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, especially in very young babies and children who become dehydrated quickly.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of watery diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Drowsiness or unusual sleepiness
  • Irritability or fussiness
  • Signs of dehydration, such as:
    • Dry mouth or tongue
    • Fewer wet diapers than usual
    • No tears when crying
    • Sunken eyes
    • Lethargy (very tired, difficult to wake)

When to seek urgent care in Grand Rapids

Take your child to your GP/pediatrician, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency department at a local hospital (such as Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) immediately if they:

  • Refuse to drink or can’t keep fluids down
  • Have very frequent diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Seem very drowsy, floppy, or difficult to wake
  • Have severe stomach pain
  • Have blood in their stool
  • Have green vomit
  • Show signs of dehydration

Children under 6 months old with any gastroenteritis symptoms should always be seen by a doctor.

Can You Get Rotavirus More Than Once?

Yes. Rotavirus infection can occur several times.

  • The first infection is usually the most severe.
  • After an initial infection, the risk of being infected again is reduced by about 40%.
  • Children who are infected multiple times generally have milder symptoms with each infection.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Rotavirus?

Certain groups are more likely to have severe or even life-threatening rotavirus gastroenteritis:

  • Young babies, especially under 6 months
  • Children with weakened immune systems, including:
    • Children on chemotherapy
    • Children taking long-term steroid medications
    • Children with HIV or immune deficiency disorders
  • Organ transplant recipients
  • Children with chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as short gut syndrome
  • Some Indigenous and minority populations may be at higher risk of complications due to barriers in access to care and other health disparities

If your child falls into any of these groups in the Grand Rapids area, talk to your pediatrician at practices affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or other local clinics about extra precautions and the importance of vaccination.

Treatment for Rotavirus in Children

Most children with rotavirus in Grand Rapids have a mild to moderate illness that can be treated at home and resolves within a few days to one week.

Home care

The main treatment is to prevent dehydration:

  • Offer fluids often:
    • Breastmilk or formula for infants
    • Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte
    • Small sips of diluted clear fluids (e.g., diluted apple juice) for older children, if advised by your doctor
  • Encourage rest
  • Continue breastfeeding or formula unless your doctor advises otherwise

Avoid giving sugary drinks (like soda or full-strength juice) or sports drinks to young children, as they can worsen diarrhoea.

When hospital care is needed

In more severe cases, children may need to be admitted to a hospital in Grand Rapids (such as Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) for:

  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Fluids through a tube in the nose (nasogastric tube) if they cannot drink enough

If you are unsure whether your child needs hospital care, contact your pediatrician, the Kent County Health Department, or a local urgent care center for guidance.

Preventing the Spread of Rotavirus at Home and in Childcare

Even with vaccination, rotavirus can still spread, especially in childcare centers and preschools across Grand Rapids.

Handwashing

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water:
    • After changing diapers
    • After using the bathroom
    • Before preparing food
    • Before eating
  • Teach children to wash their hands regularly, especially during the fall–winter virus season in Michigan.

Diaper and hygiene practices

  • Use disposable diapers while your child is sick – the elastic leg bands help prevent leakage of contaminated stool.
  • Dispose of diapers and used tissues carefully in a sealed bag or covered trash can.
  • Wash and disinfect the changing table often.
  • Clean and disinfect toys and shared items regularly, especially in daycares and playgroups.

Keep sick children at home

  • Keep babies and children with diarrhoea or vomiting at home and out of:
    • Daycare
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Playgroups
  • Rotavirus can spread very quickly through childcare settings in Grand Rapids if a sick child attends.

Rotavirus Vaccination in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect babies from severe rotavirus disease.

In the United States, rotavirus vaccines were introduced in 2007, preventing thousands of hospital admissions each year in children under 5. In Michigan, rotavirus vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and is available through:

  • Pediatricians and family doctors in Grand Rapids
  • Hospital-based clinics (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Local public health clinics, including the Kent County Health Department
  • Community health centers and Grand Rapids Public Health programs

How the rotavirus vaccine works

  • The vaccine contains a weakened form of rotavirus.
  • It is given by mouth (oral vaccine), not by injection.
  • It helps the body produce antibodies that protect against severe infection.
  • Most vaccinated children are protected against severe rotavirus disease.
  • If vaccinated children do get infected, they are much less likely to become seriously ill or require hospitalization.

Rotavirus Vaccine Schedule

The current U.S. and Michigan immunization schedule uses either a 2-dose or 3-dose rotavirus vaccine series, depending on the brand your provider uses.

A common 2-dose schedule:

  • First dose: at 2 months of age (can be given from 6 weeks)
  • Second dose: at 4 months of age

Key timing rules:

  • The first dose must be given by 14 weeks and 6 days of age.
  • If a baby has not received the first dose by 14 weeks and 6 days, they should not start the rotavirus vaccine series.
  • If a baby started but has not finished the series and is older than 24 weeks and 6 days, they should not receive any more doses.

The rotavirus vaccine is usually given at the same visit as other routine infant vaccines. No special diet or restrictions are needed before or after the vaccine.

Catch-up vaccination

“Catch-up” rotavirus vaccination for older infants and children is not recommended, because safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed in older age groups.

Before Your Baby Receives the Rotavirus Vaccine

Tell your doctor or nurse in Grand Rapids if your baby:

  • Has had intussusception (a type of bowel blockage where one part of the bowel slides into another, like a telescope)
  • Has a congenital abnormality of the bowel that may lead to intussusception
  • Has a chronic gastrointestinal disease
  • Is unwell with a fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
  • Has had a serious reaction to any vaccine in the past
  • Has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any medication, vaccine, or component of the rotavirus vaccine
  • Has lowered immunity due to:
    • Immune deficiency
    • Blood disorders
    • Cancer
    • HIV
    • Certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy, long-term steroids)
  • Has recently received a blood transfusion or blood products
  • Lives in a household with someone who has severely weakened immunity

Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider will help decide whether the vaccine is appropriate and safe for your baby.

Side Effects of the Rotavirus Vaccine

The oral rotavirus vaccine is generally safe and effective, but like all medications and vaccines, it can have side effects.

Common, mild side effects

These usually resolve on their own:

  • Mild diarrhoea
  • Mild vomiting
  • Irritability

Children are usually observed in the clinic for about 15 minutes after vaccination in case of any immediate reaction.

Rare but serious side effects

There is a very small risk of:

  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – symptoms can include:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
    • Hives or rash
    • Sudden collapse

  • Intussusception (bowel blockage), which may occur mainly in the first 1–7 days after the first or second dose.

Seek immediate medical care at a Grand Rapids emergency department or call 911 if your baby:

  • Has repeated, sudden bouts of intense crying
  • Pulls their legs up to their stomach and seems in pain
  • Looks very pale
  • Starts vomiting repeatedly
  • Passes blood in their stool

A baby who has already had intussusception in the past should not receive the rotavirus vaccine.

Local Help and Resources in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about rotavirus, dehydration, or your child’s vaccination status, you can contact:

  • Your GP or pediatrician (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or independent practices)
  • Emergency department of your nearest hospital in Grand Rapids
  • Urgent care clinics throughout Kent County
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health clinics for immunization information and appointments

In any life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Key Points About Rotavirus in Grand Rapids

  • Symptoms usually start 1–3 days after infection.
  • Rotavirus is highly contagious and can spread quickly in homes, daycares, and schools.
  • The first infection is usually the most severe.
  • After an initial infection, the risk of being infected again is reduced by about 40%, and repeat infections are generally milder.
  • Certain people are at increased risk of severe illness, including:
    • Young babies
    • Children with immune system problems
    • Organ transplant recipients
    • People with gastrointestinal problems such as short gut syndrome
  • Vaccination and good hand hygiene are the best ways to prevent severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in babies and young children in Grand Rapids, Michigan.