Sapovirus Cluster in a Chain Buffet Restaurant, 2012

Shih-Tse Huang1、Hsiu Wu1、Fang-Tzy Wu2、Jung-Jung Mu2、Yi-Chun Lo1、Song-En Huang1、Dah-Shyong Jiang1

2012 Vol.28 NO.21

Correspondence Author： Shih-Tse Huang

Abstract：

Since June 8, the news media reported several food poisoning events which were associated with a chain buffet restaurant in Taiwan. Many people were sick suspecting after eating raw oyster. To estimate the scope, identify the etiological pathogen, determine the responsible food item, we conducted an epidemiologic investigation along with Food and Drug Administration.A case control study was conducted on attendees from four universities. All attendees were interviewed regarding their basic characteristics, time of exposure, food items, onset date, symptoms and medical treatment. A case was defined as a person who had diarrhea or vomiting within one week after dining in any branch of this restaurant. Laboratory testing of stools, anal swabs and vomituses were performed by the Research and Diagnostic Center.Among the 169 party attendees, 100 (59%) were interviewed. Of the 48 persons who met the case definition, 42 (88%) had diarrhea, 38 (81%) had vomiting and 20 (43%) had fever. The mean incubation time was 37.9 hours. Illness was associated with eating raw oyster (odds ratios: 20.5, 95% confidence interval: 5.6-74.4). Three of four vomituses and five of seven stools tested positive for sapovirus. According to the symptoms, incubation time, statistical analysis and laboratory results, we concluded the cluster was related to sapovirus and eating raw oyster was associated with illness.