Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on April 7, 2026
WastewaterSCAN, an organization that monitors certain germs in municipal water, has identified high levels of rotovirus in Texas water wastewater systems. This stomach virus spreads similarly to norovirus and is quite contagious. A person with rotovirus can easily transmit their illness to others though poor hand hygiene, preparing food for others, and caring for a vulnerable population.
Children are especially vulnerable to this serious illness.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine. However, there are age limits to it.
What exactly is rotovirus and how do you know if you have it? How do we know it’s surging in Texas? How can you protect yourself and your family?
Rotovirus is a type of stomach virus spread through contact with an infected person’s stool.
This stomach bug is most commonly associated with loose and watery diarrhea which may appear green, yellow, or brown in color.
An additional trait of rotovirus is the distinct smell. Often described as sulfur-smelling or like a rotten egg. In fact, a 1987 study identified that many nurses were able to classify this illness by smell alone. While researchers do not fully understand the reason for this rotovirus scent, some believe it has to do with the effects the virus create in the gut microbiome or due to the damage the virus causes to the intestinal lining. Damage that results in malabsorption and inefficient digestion.
Symptoms usually begin within two days of exposure and may last up to eight days.
Rotovirus illnesses can quickly go from mild to serious. Especially if the individual becomes dehydrated.
Intussusception is a rare but serious rotovirus complication. Sometimes, those with a rotovirus infection experience a painful and life-threatening telescoping of part of their intestine into another. One part of the intestine slides inside the other.
This blocks the intestine and can cut off blood flow.
Symptoms of intussusception may include stomach pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. Prompt medical care is needed.
You may be wondering what this uptick of rotovirus in Texas has to do with foodborne illness?
The answer is simple.
Foodborne illness, are spread through what scientists call the fecal-oral route.
Sick people who do not adequately wash their hands touch common surfaces or prepare food. Bare hand food contact or transient transfer can make food patrons sick. Other unsuspecting recipients who touch common surfaces and then eat or touch their mouths become sick.
The cycle continues.
To make matters worse, you can spread the virus even more symptoms appear.
Rotovirus can spread before the original sick person even experiences symptoms.
You are most contagious while experiencing symptoms and during the first three days after recovering.
In most cases, people begin to feel sick within two days of exposure and can last up to eight days. Dehydration is one of the major concerns when it comes to rotovirus. if fluids are not replaced or the illness persists, you can become dehydrated.
Fortunately, the rotavirus vaccine for infants is part of the childhood vaccine schedule.
It can be administered in a three dose vaccine (RV5 or RotaTeq) at months 2, 4, and 6. Or in a two dose option (RV1 or Rotarix) at months 2 and 4.
These vaccines can be administered through a “catch-up schedule” in children up to eight months old.
These vaccines last for around two or three years and are 74% effective at preventing rotovirus infection and 96% effective at preventing serious illness if infected.
So, how do you know about this surge of rotovirus in Texas? This information comes from WastewaterSCAN, the organization that monitors traces of pathogens in municipal wastewater.
Most reports of foodborne illness go unreported. But everyone uses a toilet. Detections in wastewater can give an indication of surges in certain illnesses that pass through feces and urine.
As of April 3, 2026, high concentrations of rotovirus were detected in parts of Texas. Including Amarillo, the Woodlands, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Wichita Falls and Gainesville also have significant detections of rotovirus.
While there are many aspects out of your control (when you eat out or others prepare your food), there are several things you can do to help protect yourself and your family from rotovirus in Texas.
This truly is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from a host of illnesses. Wash your hands.
Wash your hands before you eat or prepare food. Always wash your hands after you use the restroom, help someone in the restroom, or change a diaper.
Rotovirus can easily be passed from one member of a household to another. If possible, pass the food preparation responsibilities to someone who is not sick.
If you have to prepare food for others, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and do so frequently.
Keep your bathroom as clean as possible. Clean it frequently and wipe down contact surfaces with disinfectant to reduce the risk of spreading rotovirus to others in your household.
Dehydration is a serious concern for people with rotovirus infections. Drink plenty of fluids, add electrolytes, and reduce caffeine and sugar consumption. Be sure you are taking in more liquids than are leaving your body.
If you begin feeling dehydrated or experience dehydration symptoms, seek medical attention right away!
If you have been significantly impacted by rotovirus after eating at a restaurant, you may have a legal case.
Lost work, medical bills, caring for a loved one, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. Get advice from an experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer to understand your rights.
Foodborne illness at a restaurant is preventable by following safe food handling procedures. When people cut corners, patrons get sick.
If you have become sick with a rotovirus infection after eating at a restaurant and wish to make a legal claim, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!
Call (833) 330-3663 for a free, no obligation consultation. Or fill out our online submission form and someone will get back with you shortly to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)