Synergistic Effects of Rotavirus and Co-Infecting Viral Enteric Pathogens on Diarrheal Disease — Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, 2019

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC? Diarrhea represents a substantial public health issue, contributing globally to a high number of pediatric medical consultations, hospital admissions, and mortality rates. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT? An increase in diarrheal frequency serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating severity. The predominant pathogens associated with pediatric diarrhea are rotavirus and norovirus, with co-infections exerting a notable compounding effect that leads to more severe diarrhea. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE? Implementing sensitive diagnostic techniques and comprehensive monitoring is paramount in identifying co-infections. Such strategies can provide physicians with critical insights into disease progression, thus considerably reducing the burden of diarrhea.