Introduction

Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, more commonly known as stomach flu, and is particularly common in children under the age of 5.¹ The infection presents through a variety of symptoms, the most common being diarrhoea. This can also often be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, stomach cramping, nausea and fever.

How long rotavirus can survive on different types of surfaces matters because it influences how well the virus can stay infectious. In simpler terms, the longer a virus remains active, the greater its chances of spreading and infecting someone. This ability to spread and cause infection is crucial for a virus, as it allows it to replicate and ultimately continue to exist.

Rotavirus transmission

When a person is infected with rotavirus, large amounts of the virus are excreted in their faeces, largely due to the fact that severe diarrhea is a common symptom in almost all cases. 

The most common route of transmission between people is through the faecal-oral route, which is when the virus being shed through faeces and is contracted into the mouth. This happens when people are in close contact with other infected people.

Factors which influence rotavirus survival on surfaces

A fomite is an object that allows for the transmission of viruses like rotavirus.This means that the virus is able to successfully live on the formite until it can be transmitted to a host, like a human being.

This is what can make a virus more dangerous, because some can survive for long periods of time outside of the human body. This therefore, means that the likelihood of transmission to a person is increased. Rotavirus also does not need many virions to infect a living host, this increases the risk of infection even more.

There are a number of surfaces where rotavirus can thrive, but also many which may not provide a suitable surface for rotavirus to survive on.¹

Types of surface

Fomites include a vast range of surfaces and objects. These can be porous or non-porous surfaces. They can also be objects which have been contaminated by rotavirus through direct contact.

This direct contact can be a source of large droplets in the air spread from a sneeze, cough or even talking. It could also be from contact or body secretions from someone who is infected.

These objects and surfaces act as the perfect way of transmission. 

Survival duration in porous vs. non-porous surfaces 

In terms of these types of surfaces, usually a virus remains viable on non-porous surfaces longer compared to a porous surface.⁴

Examples of a porous surface and non-porous surfaces include: 

Porous

• Cotton
• Paper

Non-porous

• Aluminium
• China
• Glazed tile

Studies have shown that rotavirus can survive on nonporous surfaces for at least 45 days.² Other studies have shown an average of 2 months with possibility of the virus being viable for even longer.^1,4 Though rotavirus will survive for the length of time, the amount of virus is usually decreased with the duration.⁶ In comparison, survival on the hands is usually only several hours.³

However, contaminated hands still have the ability to transfer to another surface like a nonporous surface, which would keep the virus viable for longer.²

Rotavirus has also been seen to spread in certain areas, such as children daycare centres and paediatric wards of hospitals, which have been common sources of rotavirus outbreaks

Surfaces which rotavirus has commonly been found on:

• Children's toys
• Toilet handles
• Door handles
• Play areas
• Sinks
• Mobile phones

Viral strain (Virus properties)

Properties of the virus itself can have a direct impact on how long it can survive on a surface. The particular strain of virus is an example of this. The type of strain of virus can also affect how long a virus can survive and therefore remain viable on a surface.

Rotavirus is a non-enveloped virus. This makes it more likely to be resistant to any kind of destruction that may result from environmental factors. Therefore the type of virus that rotavirus is allows it to survive weeks because of its properties.

Disinfection and hygiene intervention

As shown above, many of the surfaces which are contaminated by rotavirus are objects which are used commonly in everyday life. Disinfection and regular cleaning however, can dramatically affect how rotavirus survives on these objects, and decreases any viable virus which remains on the surface, thereby reducing the risk of infection.²

Environmental factors which influence rotavirus survival

Environmental factors can additionally impact the survival of rotavirus, including exposure to sunlight, certain temperatures and storage practices.. Regardless of surface, these factors can determine how long a virus does survive.

Temperature

High temperatures are usually thought to be able to destroy viruses. Rotaviruses however can survive and remain infectious in tropical temperatures for more than two months.⁵ Studies have also shown that rotavirus survives longest at lower temperatures such as 4℃.

Freezing temperatures have also been shown to have little dramatic effect on reducing the survival of rotavirus. This means that freezing temperatures, along with more tropical temperatures do not have a significant effect on the survival of rotavirus. 

Sunlight (UV exposure)

Rotaviruses are classified as one of the more resistant viruses when it comes to UV exposure. Exposure to sunlight and UV rays are usually unlikely to have an effect of survival duration.

Survival of rotavirus in water

In freshwater, it is possible for rotavirus to survive for around 10 days. Lower temperatures can increase this duration for up to 32 days.⁶ This can be concerning, especially if water is not properly treated before drinking. 

How the survival of rotavirus can impact the public and public health

The ability of rotavirus to survive on both porous and non-porous surfaces poses a significant public health concern, as its persistence increases the likelihood of transmission. This durability likely contributes to rotavirus being a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide.² Understanding how long the virus can survive and the factors that influence its survival is crucial for controlling its spread, especially in high-risk environments such as daycare centers and hospitals.

Immunocompromised individuals

People who may be immunocompromised can be more susceptible to the transmission and infection of rotavirus. Furthermore, rotavirus infections in those who are immunocompromised may possibly lead to a more severe type of infection. It is therefore important to understand how rotavirus can survive, in order to be prepared and avoid transmission of the virus from a surface to a person.

Furthermore, in low income areas across the globe, infections can often prove fatal for young children. This is because diseases which cause severe diarrhoea, such as gastroenteritis, can be extremely dehydrated.

Summary

Rotavirus is one of the most significant causes of gastroenteritis, especially in those who are young. It has been shown to have a great ability to survive on a variety of surfaces, especially those which are non porous. And ultimately this ability to survive for long durations of time, ensures that its chances of transmission are greater. Rotavirus is therefore highly contagious and continues challenging public health.