Hospitalizations Associated With Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in the United States, 1993–2002

Abstract

In the United States, rotavirus gastroenteritis remains a common disease of children that results in many hospitalizations, clinic visits and medical costs. It is a common cause of morbidity and is associated with a high economic burden in developing countries. Prevention of hospitalizations is the primary target of rotavirus vaccines. To update estimates of rotavirus hospitalization rates in the United States, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 years of national hospitalization data associated with gastroenteritis and used both direct and indirect methods to estimate the percentage of cases associated with rotavirus gastroenteritis. During 1993–2002, an average of 18% of all hospitalizations with gastroenteritis among children Conclusions: Rotavirus gastroenteritis remains an important cause of hospitalizations in the United States, and the rate has not declined from 1993 through 2002.