Rotavirus in El Salvador: an outbreak, surveillance and estimates of disease burden, 2000-2002.

Background: In December 2000, a large outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in El Salvador that was associated with hospitalizations and deaths among children nationwide. Public concern was raised because the etiology was initially unknown and enteric control measures seemed ineffective. The outbreak was eventually linked to rotavirus, control measures were redirected to improving treatment with oral rehydration and surveillance was initiated to characterize the etiologic agents of gastroenteritis.