This paper reviews published and unpublished data from epidemiological and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 a
ge groups at risk. Rotavirus was found in approximately 5% of stool specime
ns 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 h
ave been documented. Analysis of monthly data from laboratory surveillance
from 1981 to 1996 showed that between 6 and 16% of stool samples tested pos
itive for rotavirus, again with a clear seasonal distribution. A total of 9
8% of rotavirus strains that were typed were G-type 1-4. We conclude that m
ore recent data about hospitalization rates are needed for a well-founded c
ost-benefit analysis.