A highly contagious virus known as rotavirus is spreading at elevated levels across the country, including here in Maryland, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials say cases have been rising steadily since January. In the Northeast region, which includes Maryland, positive test rates jumped from 3.23% to 9.6% in just one week.

Rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children and can cause: • Severe vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Fever
• Rapid dehydration (which can require hospitalization)

The virus spreads easily through contaminated hands, surfaces, food, or toys, and can live on surfaces for extended periods of time.

Doctors warn that symptoms can last several days and are often more severe than typical stomach bugs. There is no specific treatment, with care focused on hydration.