According to data from the Real-time Outbreak and Disease Surveillance System operated by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC), the proportion of patients visiting emergency room due to diarrhea have been increasing continuously for five consecutive weeks. The emergency room visit rate of last week was 5.61%, which is higher than that during the same period last year (4.64%) and is close to the epidemic threshold (5.64%). The emergency room visit rates reported in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Pintung area have exceeded the national mean value, while the rate in other area is also on the rise. Further, the number of diarrhea diagnoses at clinics has also increased. In comparison with last year, this year has seen an earlier start of the epidemic.
In addition, according to data from the Symptom Surveillance System operated by Taiwan CDC, from October to December 28, 2010, a total of 33 diarrhea clusters have been reported and 22 clusters have been confirmed as norovirus infection. Among them, 14 clusters occurred in schools (mainly in elementary schools) and 8 clusters occurred in populous institutions (mainly in nursing homes). During the same period last year, a total of 25 diarrhea clusters have been reported and 21 clusters have been confirmed as viral gastroenteritis. Among them, 20 clusters were caused by norovirus infection, mainly occurred in schools (6 in elementary schools and 5 in kindergartens).
Norovirus is most active in fall and winter. It often causes cluster infections in schools and populous institutions. The virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and has an incubation period of 24-48 hours. The main symptoms include acute and continued vomiting and watery diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, cramps, nausea and low fever. Normally symptoms can persist up to 24-72 hours and cause severe dehydration, especially in children and the elderly. Norovirus can survive a long time in infected patients’ vomits and feces, which are likely to cause contamination of the environment if not handled properly. Taiwan CDC advises the public to wash hands as frequently as needed and pay attention to dietary and personal hygiene. Leave infected patients’ vomits and excrements in diluted chlorine (0.5% concentration, or 5000ppm) for 30 minute before ridding them. Disinfect the contaminated surface with diluted chlorine (0.1-0.5% concentration, or 1000-5000ppm). When feeling unwell, seeking medical advice and home rest is recommended.
Taiwan CDC urges the public, hospitals of all levels, schools and populous institutions to remain cautious during the epidemic period and watch out for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. In suspicious cases of cluster infections, seek medical help immediately as well as notify local health authorities for disease control. To prevent cross-transmission and further spread, infected patients should be kept away from each other. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. , or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline 1922.