Rotavirus Surge Raises Concerns as Vaccination Rates Decline

CDC warns of life-threatening virus causing vomiting and diarrhea in children across the U.S.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A translucent, ghostly X-ray photograph revealing the internal structures of a child's digestive system, highlighting the severe impact of the rotavirus infection.An X-ray view of the internal damage caused by the rotavirus surge sweeping across the United States.Oklahoma City Today

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting a surge in rotavirus infections across the United States, particularly in the West and Midwest. Rotavirus, a highly contagious virus that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, can lead to dangerous dehydration in young children. Doctors are concerned that declining vaccination rates could lead to more hospitalizations and even deaths from the virus in the coming years.

Why it matters

Rotavirus was a major public health issue before the introduction of vaccines, causing over 200,000 emergency room visits, 70,000 hospitalizations, and dozens of deaths annually in the U.S. While the vaccines have been highly effective, falling vaccination rates could reverse the progress made and expose more children to the potentially life-threatening effects of the virus.

The details

Data from the WastewaterScan program shows rotavirus levels in wastewater have been surging since January, indicating high levels of infection in communities. Doctors are seeing a steady influx of children admitted for rotavirus, with symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of the patients are either too young to be vaccinated, haven't received all the doses, or are unvaccinated. Nationally, the rotavirus vaccination rate has declined from 73.8% to a lower level over the past eight years.

  • The rotavirus surge has been ongoing since January 2026.
  • Rotavirus infections typically peak in the winter and spring months.

The players

Ben Lopman

An infectious disease epidemiologist at Emory University who experienced his son's severe rotavirus illness before the vaccine was available in the UK.

Dr. Stephanie Deleon

The associate chief medical officer and a pediatric hospitalist at Oklahoma Children's OU Health, who has seen a steady influx of children admitted for rotavirus over the last two months.

Dr. Paul Offit

The director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who recalls a case from his residency where a 9-month-old girl died from rotavirus-related dehydration.

Dr. Yvonne Maldonado

A professor at Stanford University who is concerned that recent changes to the childhood immunization schedule may have created doubt among some parents about the rotavirus vaccine.

Dr. Marlene Wolfe

The program director and co-principal investigator of the WastewaterScan program, which has detected high levels of rotavirus in wastewater across the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“It was scary. It too reminded me how severe this disease can be for any kid.”

— Ben Lopman, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist

“Children who are not vaccinated are absolutely at higher risk of severe disease and the need for hospitalization.”

— Dr. Stephanie Deleon, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Pediatric Hospitalist

“These are young people and they are getting confusing messaging. They don't recognize where to turn.”

— Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, Professor

“This is actually a really extraordinary vaccine. It's also been studied extensively for safety and there's a very clear, overwhelming benefit.”

— Ben Lopman, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist

“We're seeing a lot of rotavirus in wastewater right now, definitely very high levels and that indicates to us that You'll see high levels of rotavirus infections in these communities.”

— Dr. Marlene Wolfe, Program Director and Co-Principal Investigator, WastewaterScan

What’s next

The CDC and public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on their rotavirus vaccinations to help prevent severe illness and the need for hospitalization. Doctors are also recommending frequent handwashing and disinfecting of surfaces to help limit the spread of the virus.

The takeaway

The resurgence of rotavirus infections highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect children from this potentially life-threatening illness. As vaccination rates decline, more families could face the same frightening experience as Ben Lopman's son, underscoring the need for continued public education and access to this critical vaccine.