HealthAugust 12, 2026

rotavirus

RO-tuh-vy-ruhs

Definition

A common virus that causes severe, watery diarrhea, primarily in infants and young children, which can be prevented by vaccination.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'rota' (meaning 'wheel'), because the virus appears wheel-like when viewed under an electron microscope.

In the news

The article mentions rotavirus as one of the vaccines the new executive order no longer routinely recommends, warning that this change will lead to more illnesses.

Why Trump’s MMR vaccine order is the latest public health disaster, with effects set to last years

Read the full article ↗

The Conversation

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