Highly contagious rotavirus with vile symptoms spreading in California

A fast-spreading stomach virus is resurging across California, with wastewater data revealing spikes in multiple cities.

The WastewaterSCAN dashboard shows “high concentrations” of rotavirus in Marin, Redwood City, San Jose and Santa Cruz, while “moderate concentrations” have been detected in Sacramento, Davis, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Vallejo and Novato.

The highly contagious virus causes severe watery diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children, , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Older children and adults with weakened immune systems are also vulnerable.

The virus spreads through microscopic particles from infected fecal matter, either via direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

Before a vaccine was introduced in 2006, rotavirus was the leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children in the U.S, with as many as 2.7 million cases annually, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Today, the virus still causes between 20 and 40 deaths each year, roughly 20 fewer than before vaccines became widely available.

The surge extends beyond California.

Federal data shows rising levels nationwide since mid-December, with high activity in every region except the Midwest.

The Bay Area is a major hotspot, while elevated levels have also been reported in New Jersey, Connecticut and along the Northeast coast.

The increase comes as federal vaccine guidance shifts. The administration now advises parents to decide with their doctors whether children should receive the rotavirus vaccine, moving away from previous CDC recommendations that all children be vaccinated.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the change aims to align U.S. policy with international standards and emphasize informed consent.

The American Academy of Pediatrics noted that Denmark, cited as a model, does not vaccinate against rotavirus.

A court temporarily blocked the updated guidance last month, adding uncertainty around future vaccination rates.

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