[An acute norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in a hospital].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate and analyze a case of acute norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in a hospital.


METHODS
Data were collected through the on-the-spot investigation and faecal specimens were tested by polymerase chain reaction-reverse transcription (RT-PCR). Serum specimens were tested by Western blot.


RESULTS
The outbreak lasted 26 days. A total of 87 cases were reported, including 65 inpatients, 15 healthcare workers, 6 accompanies, and 1 pantryman. Twelve (60%) of 20 stool specimens were norovirus-positive by RT-PCR and 19 of 24 blood samples were norovirus-positive by Western blot. The outbreak was effectively controlled by isolating and treating the patients, extensive disinfection, and health education.


CONCLUSIONS
The gastroenteritis outbreak was caused by norovirus with unkown infection source.
Xu
Qian
Q
Department of Infectious Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China. xuqian356@sohu.com
Lang
Lin-Na
LN
Zhang
Jing
J
Qian
Yuan
Y
Jia
Li-Ping
LP
Zhang
Zheng
Z
Wang
Qin-Huan
QH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029322:Norovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D055815:Young Adult