[An outbreak of giardiasis in a child day-care centre in Trondheim].
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of Giardia in Norway is considered to be low, but the infection is probably under-diagnosed. In other countries, child day-care centres have turned out to be major sites of Giardiasis contamination and outbreaks. We report the first giardiasis-outbreak registered in Norway.


METHODS
The outbreak occurred in a child day-care centre in Trondheim, Norway in 2004. Out of 12 microbiologically verified cases, 9 had clinical gastroenteritis. Stool samples were collected from all children and staff in the day-care centre, and from all household members of identified carriers. All carriers were treated with metronidazole and responded well to treatment. The environment of the child day-care centre was assessed, and all affected households were interviewed by telephone. Preventative measures were implemented.


CONCLUSIONS
The outbreak may have started in November 2003 and lasted until July 2004. It was limited to one of the day-care centre's five sections and 44% were infected. The source of infection was not identified, but there are several possibilities: staff who changed nappies and helped with going to the toilet also prepared and served food. Washbasin taps in kitchens and nappy-changing rooms were hand-operated. Cups used for drinking were exposed to potential contamination. These conditions are regarded as important routes for infections.
Wahl
Erik
E
Mattilsynet, distriktskontoret for Trondheim, Postboks 383, 2383 Brumunddal. erik.wahl@mattilsynet.no
Bevanger
Lars
L
D000328:Adult; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000469:parasitology; D005873:Giardiasis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology