Epidemiological and clinical features of norovirus gastroenteritis in outbreaks: a population-based study

Abstract

Noroviruses are the most frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis in the community. In Catalonia, it is not clear how this type of viral gastroenteritis is evolving, and the objective of this prospective population-based study was to describe the incidence and epidemiological and clinical features of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus in Catalonia between October 2004 and October 2005. Incidence rates were calculated using the estimated population of Catalonia in 2005. For each outbreak, the mode of transmission, the number of persons affected, demographic variables, clinical presentation, the date and time of onset of symptoms and the duration of symptoms, physician visits and hospitalizations were collected. Sixty viral outbreaks affecting 1791 people were identified, with no distinct seasonality. The mean number of outbreaks per month was 4.6. The global incidence was 24.6 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence was higher in women (25.7 per 100 000 person-years) and in the 5-11 years (52.4 per 100 000 person-years) and > or =65 years (42.4 per 100 000 person-years) age groups. The prevalence of vomiting, abdominal pain and general malaise was higher in children and adolescents, whereas the prevalence of diarrhoea and myalgia was higher in adults. These results suggest that norovirus infection has an important public health impact in Catalonia and that prevention strategies should be designed and implemented.

Norovirus Outbreaks on Commercial Cruise Ships: A Systematic Review and New Targets for the Public Health Agenda

“…Noroviruses (NoVs) are widely recognized as the leading cause of human acute viral gastroenteritis worldwide (Arias et al 2010). Approximately, 20 million cases of acute gastroenteritis in the USA are related to NoV infections, as reported by the centers for disease control (CDC) (CDC2013).…”

An outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis in a county in Turkey

“…4,5 It is reported that in the USA annually 23 million people get infected with norovirus. 12 The main route of infection in these outbreaks it is reported to be through food and rarely through water. 9 From the 348 Norovirus outbreaks reported to the CDC between 1996-2000, 39% were foodborne, 12% from person to person contact and 3% water-borne.…”

“…14 Norovirus outbreaks are usually seen in autumn-winter period, especially between JanuaryMarch. 12 It is considered that excessive rainfall in this season is a reason of water contamination. This outbreak emerged in a rainy spring season, and it was considered that the rain along with water network repairs facilitated the outbreak.…”

Headaches in selected systemic diseases in children

“…W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Hiszpanii w czasie epidemii norowirusowych w latach 2004-2005 bóle głowy stwierdzano częściej u pacjentów pediatrycznych [28]. Bóle głowy występowały u ponad 30% dzieci w wieku do 4 lat, 40% dzieci w wieku 5-11 lat oraz 57% dzieci w wieku 12-17 lat [28]. Pacjenci poniżej 18. roku życia objaw ten zgłaszali częściej niż gorączkę i znacznie czę-ściej niż bóle mięśniowe.…”

“…Pacjenci poniżej 18. roku życia objaw ten zgłaszali częściej niż gorączkę i znacznie czę-ściej niż bóle mięśniowe. U osób dorosłych do 64. roku życia wszystkie powyższe dolegliwości stwierdzano około 40% pacjentów [28]. W badaniu duńskim z lat 2009-2010, w którym oceniano objawy kliniczne w infekcjach spowodowanych bakteriami z rodzaju Campylobacter u dzieci częstość występowania bólu głowy wahała się między 46% a 65%, w zależności od gatunku bakterii [27].…”