Epidemiology of rotavirus infections in the Netherlands

This paper reviews published and unpublished data from epidemiological and virological studies of rotavirus in the Netherlands to identify gaps in our knowledge; it includes analysis of surveillance data for seasonality and age groups at risk. Rotavirus was found in approximately 5% of stool specimens from people consulting a physician for gastroenteritis. Of these cases, 38% were under 5 y of age. A clear seasonality was observed, with a peak in rotavirus activity in winter and early spring. In one hospital-based study between 1976 and 1983, rotavirus was found in 30% of children under 3 y of age hospitalized for gastroenteritis. In addition, nosocomial infections have been documented. Analysis of monthly data from laboratory surveillance from 1981 to 1996 showed that between 6 and 16% of stool samples tested positive for rotavirus, again with a clear seasonal distribution. A total of 98% of rotavirus strains that were typed were G-type 1-4. We conclude that more recent data about hospitalization rates are needed for a well-founded cost-benefit analysis.