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 two consecutive weeks. The emergency room visit rate of last week was 4.67%, which is higher than that during the same period last year (3.32%) and exceeds the warning limit (4.44%). The emergency room visit rate reported in Taipei has exceeded the national mean value, while the rate in other area is also on the rise.This year, the viral gastroenteritis season is expected to begin in mid-December.

Since October, 2010, a total of 15 diarrhea clusters have been reported.7 clusters were tested positive for gastroenteritis virus infection, including 5 tested positive for norovirus infection and 2 tested positive for norovirus-rotavirus coinfection.6 clusters occurred in schools and 1 cluster occurred in a densely populated institution. 5 clusters were tested negative for gastroenteritis virus infection.The other remaining 3 clusters are being tested. During the same period last year, 11 diarrhea clusters were reported.9 clusters were tested positive for gastroenteritis virus infection and all 9 were positive for norovirus infection.Among the clusters, 5 occurred in schools, 1 occurred in a densely populated institution, 1 occurred in a hospital, 1 occurred in a family, and the other occurred at another site.

Viral gastroenteritis is mainly characterized by symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, and fever and can be caused by a variety of viruses, while rotavirus and norovirus are the two most common agents. This disease 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.Hence, large-scale gastroenteritis outbreaks are common in schools and densely-populated institutions.As fall and winter are the epidemic seasons of viral gastroenteritis, Taiwan CDC urges the public to wash hands frequently and to strengthen food sanitation and personal hygiene.Taiwan CDC advises the use of 0.5% (5000 ppm) chloride solution for processing the vomitus and stool of infected people by soaking the waste for 30 minutes before disposing and the use of 0.1% (1000 ppm) chloride solution for wiping and disinfecting contaminated surface.People who feel unwell are advised to stay at home.

Taiwan CDC calls on all hospitals, schools, and residents of populated institutions to keep high vigilance for cases with suspect symptoms of viral gastroenteric infection, including diarrhea and vomit. Moreover, suspected cases of viral gastroenteritis should be appropriately isolated to avoid further transmission. Besides seeking immediate medical assistance, patients from possible cluster of infections should be reported to local health departments as soon as possible in order to initiate timely disease-control measures and prevent further transmission.For any questions or further information on disease prevention, please call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline 1922, or visit the Taiwan CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw.