Epidemiological Analysis of Diarrhea Outbreaks in Taipei Region, April 2015–April 2016

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20170124.33(2).002

Chien-Yu Chou^＊, Pei-Chen Chen, Hsiu-Yi Wu,Yu-Fang Tsai, Hsiao-Ping Tung, Jer-Jea Yen

2017 Vol.33 NO.2

Correspondence Author： Chien-Yu Chou^＊

Abstract：

We analyzed the outbreaks of diarrhea occurred in the Taipei region from April 2015 to April 2016, and found that the major causative pathogen was norovirus, followed by rotavirus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Most outbreaks were considered as ”direct person-to person transmission” (40%), or ”difficult to determine the transmission mode” (32%). To clarify the source of infection and the mode of transmission, the health authority should investigate the contact history and food consumed within three days before onset date immediately after been notified. Since most cases were occurred mainly in school, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration, and local health authorities should cooperate with each other to formulate and implement preventive measures, and regard schools as important target group. Implementing hand hygiene and food safety are the best methods to prevent outbreaks of diarrhea. By utilizing surveillance and reporting system, the health authority should conduct investigation early and take appropriate preventive measures to block the spread of disease.