title: An outbreak of norovirus linked to oysters in Tasmania.
abstract: Norovirus is the most commonly reported virus in shellfish related gastroenteritis outbreaks. In March 2013 an investigation was conducted following the receipt of reports of gastroenteritis after the consumption of oysters at private functions in Tasmania. Cases were ascertained through general practitioners, emergency departments, media releases and self-reporting. Of the 306 cases identified in Tasmania, ten faecal specimens were collected for laboratory testing and eight were positive for norovirus (GII.g). The most common symptoms were vomiting (87%), diarrhoea (85%), myalgia (82%) and fever (56%). The implicated oysters were traced to a single lease from which they were harvested and distributed locally and interstate. Nationally 525 cases were identified from Tasmania (306), Victoria (209), New South Wales (8) and Queensland (2). This report highlights the consequences of norovirus outbreaks in shellfish, even with rapid identification, trace back and removal of the implicated product from the market.
authors.affiliation: National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and Population and Environmental Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania.
authors.forename: Kerryn L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Lodo
authors.affiliation: Population and Environmental Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania.
authors.forename: Mark G K
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Veitch
authors.affiliation: Population and Environmental Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania.
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017250:Caliciviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D029322:Norovirus; D010125:Ostreidae; D011159:Population Surveillance; D013648:Tasmania / Q000453:epidemiology