Rotavirus in the Netherlands: Background information for the Health Council

Rotavirus can cause a gastrointestinal infection and is common in young
children. There are two vaccines available; both have to be administered
via the mouth. The Dutch Health Council will advise the Ministry of
Health, Welfare and Sport on how childhood vaccination against
rotavirus will be made available. The Minister makes a decision on the
basis of this advice.
To support the Health Council, the RIVM has put together background
information on rotavirus disease. The information includes the number
of people in the Netherlands that become ill from rotavirus every year,
the effectiveness and safety of rotavirus vaccines, and how the public
thinks about rotavirus vaccination.
A gastrointestinal infection caused by rotavirus is common during the
winter months, particularly in children between six months and two
years old. The disease is characterized by fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Usually, rotavirus disease resolves by itself without problems, but can
be severe resulting in dehydration. This happens more often in young
children, premature children, children with low birth weight and children
with congenital problems. These severe cases may need to be admitted
to the hospital. Treatment for dehydration consists of oral or intravenous
rehydration. In rare cases, a child dies.