According to the surveillance data compiled by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC),　during the past four weeks (February 12 and March 11, 2017), gastroenteritis activity has been on the rise and the number of clusters reported has also increased. Most of the clusters were caused by norovirus infection and occurred in school. As norovirus becomes more active during the winter months, the public is reminded to pay attention to personal and dietary hygiene and schools workers are urged to strengthen prevention measures in order to prevent outbreaks.
 

The proportions of patients seeking emergency department for acute gastroenteritis during the past four weeks among the age groups of 7-12 and 13-18 have been on the rise.　In addition, the number of gastroenteritis clusters increased from 19-21 each week to 41 last week and the number of gastroenteritis clusters reported in schools increased from 14-23 each week to 30 last week, which are both higher than those reported during the same period in last year and the year before. Among the cumulative total of 108 gastroenteritis cluster reported in the recent 4 weeks, 72 clusters occurred in school (67%), including 50 occurred in elementary schools, middles schools and high schools, followed by 11% occurred among restaurant workers and 7% at campsites. 70 of the 108 gastroenteritis clusters tested positive for pathogens, including 68 that tested positive for norovirus (97%), which include 29 clusters that occurred in elementary schools, middles schools and high schools and 13 clusters that occurred in kindergarten.

Norovirus infection is transmitted mostly through fecal-oral route. Viruses can survive in the vomitus and stool of infected people for a long time and infect others through the consumption of virus-contaminated food or close contact with the patients. As a result, large scale outbreaks often occur. To prevent norovirus infection, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and always before eating and preparing food; practice good personal hygiene; pay attention to the source of ingredients used in home-cooked meals and ensure the cooking process is hygienic; and ensure all foods are thoroughly cooked before consumption, especially shellfish.
 

As there is currently no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus infection, if symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever develop, please rest as much as possible, stay hydrated, and replenish electrolytes. Infected individuals should only resume school or work 48 hours after symptoms are relieved and wash hands with soap and water frequently to prevent further spread of the disease. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).