Rotavirus is a double stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family. It is a leading cause of enteric disease, causing diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Almost all children will be exposed to the virus by the age of 5. Immunity develops with each infection and adults are rarely affected. The virus is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, infects the small intestine and produces and enterotoxin, leading to gastroenteritis. Transmission by the respiratory route is also a possibility. Treatment is supportive, mainly by maintaining hydration, occasionally hospitalization is needed. A vaccine is available in some countries.